Advisory: High Surf To Slam Sonoma, Bay Area Coastlines

COASTAL NORTH BAY, CA — A high surf advisory from the National Weather Service is expected to remain in effect from 5 a.m. Tuesday to 11 p.m. Tuesday for Coastal North Bay including Point Reyes National Seashore and the Sonoma County coastline north to Sea Ranch.

The advisory for large breaking waves between 12 and 16 feet is also for coastal areas to the south of Sonoma County, including the San Francisco Peninsula Coast, Northern Monterey Bay and Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast.

Higher waves are expected locally at steep-sloped beaches, with breaking wave heights of 15-20 feet, the weather service said.

Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion are forecast.

"Large waves can sweep across the beach without warning, pulling people into the sea from the
rocks, jetties and beaches," the weather service said. "These waves can also move large objects such as logs, crushing anyone caught underneath."

Large northwest waves will peak during the day Tuesday, then diminish into Wednesday, forecasters said.

Northwest-facing beaches are most at risk for large turbulent shore breaks and strong currents, according to the weather service.

Inexperienced swimmers are advised to remain out of the water because of the dangerous surf conditions.