The old adage ‘never turn your back on the ocean’ will be especially relevant this weekend, when strong winds along Bay Area coastlines are expected to bring hazardous conditions for both beachgoers and boaters alike.
Forecasters are warning of rough conditions, mostly at west-facing beaches along the Pacific Coast, that will mean powerful currents that could sweep people off beaches and jetties and into the cold ocean.
A beach hazards statement will be in effect from Friday afternoon through Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
Beachgoers should stay off jetties, piers, rocks, and other waterside structures, and stay out of the water to avoid the hazardous surf conditions, the weather service said.
The strong winds will also be hazardous for mariners and dangerous for small crafts. A small craft advisory is in effect until 3 p.m. Friday, and a gale warning will be in effect from 3 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Widespread gale-force winds with periodic storm-force gusts are expected to persist through the weekend. Wind-driven waves may reach up to 19 feet, creating hazardous conditions for mariners and small crafts, the weather service said.
Getting into the ocean around here is always dangerous!
Most of the wind must be coming from the National Weather Service. There’s a breeze, nothing more than we’ve had the last few days. Maybe the spray planes ran our of stuff.