NWS Warns Of New Year Beach Hazards: Santa Cruz County

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazards Statement for most of the Bay Area's coastline starting on New Year's Eve afternoon into the night on New Year's Day.

Large, long-period waves will start around 1 p.m. Tuesday at 6-to-8 feet, with swells that will last 20-22 seconds, meteorologist Will Pi said.

According to Pi, even larger swells will appear Tuesday at 8-to-11 feet along west- and north-facing beaches from far north Sonoma County all the way to Monterey. Break waves on Wednesday may reach 25 feet.

The watch lasts until 9 p.m. Wednesday. Pi said beaches that face toward the south won't be as impacted, but still may produce sneaker waves and rip currents.

Beachgoers are advised to stay off coastal jetties, to keep an eye on children and to never turn their backs to the ocean.

Copyright 2019 by Bay City News, Inc. — Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.