Alert archive / California / Beach Hazards Statements in 2020

Beach Hazards Statement 12, NWS San Francisco Bay Area, CA

December 1, 20206 counties in California

NWS San Francisco Bay Area, CA issued this beach hazards statement at Dec 1, 2020, 11:28 AM PST for 6 counties in California. It took effect at Dec 2, 2020, 10:00 AM PST. It was in force for 59 hr.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Dec 1, 2020, 11:28 AM PST (19:28 UTC)
In effect from
Dec 2, 2020, 10:00 AM PST
Expired
Dec 4, 2020, 9:00 PM PST
In force
59 hr
Issued by
NWS San Francisco Bay Area, CA

Counties City and County of San Francisco, CA, Marin County, CA, Monterey County, CA, San Mateo County, CA, Santa Cruz County, CA, Sonoma County, CA

The nearest sounding before it

Oakland, CA (KOAK), launched 12:00Z, 7.5 hours before the alert went out and 26 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Oakland, CA at 12:00Z on 2020-12-01Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Oakland, CA at 12:00Z on 2020-12-01The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -15 square meters per square second.193958Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1544 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
36 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-15 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
-3 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

536 
WHUS46 KMTR 011928
CFWMTR

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service San Francisco CA
1128 AM PST Tue Dec 1 2020

...Very Long Period Swell will bring Dangerous Sneaker Waves...

.A very long period WNW swell will impact the Sonoma to Big Sur 
coast through the day on Wednesday and persist into Thursday.
Initial forerunner waves of 24 to 27 seconds will begin to arrive
along the Sonoma coast overnight Tuesday night into early 
Wednesday morning before spreading southward through the day. The
primary timeframe of concern from this event will be midday 
Wednesday into Thursday morning as the wave heights rise to 3 to 7
feet at a periodicity of 19 to 24 seconds. A high to extreme risk 
of sneaker waves will exist during this timeframe. The largest 
energetic sneaker waves will arrive irregularly every few minutes 
to as infrequently as once every 30 minutes during otherwise 
deceptively calmer seas and consequently may catch those on 
coastal jetties, rocks, piers, or shorelines offguard and may 
injure them or knock them into the cold, turbulent ocean. 
Beachcombing is not advised during this timeframe. In addition, 
strong rip currents will accompany the energetic wave train, 
particularly at WNW facing beaches. These type of events claim 
lives each year along our coast so extreme vigilance is advised if
visiting the coast. Finally, moderate to locally large breaking 
waves of 14 to 18 feet will be possible later in the day on 
Thursday at WNW facing beaches as the swell period decreases and 
swell heights increase, thus this product will be in effect 
through the day Thursday. 



CAZ006-505-509-530-020600-
/O.NEW.KMTR.BH.S.0012.201202T1800Z-201204T0000Z/
San Francisco-
Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore-
San Francisco Peninsula Coast-
Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast-
1128 AM PST Tue Dec 1 2020

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING
THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON...

The National Weather Service in San Francisco has issued a Beach
Hazards Statement for dangerous sneaker waves and rip currents, 
which is in effect from Wednesday morning through Thursday 
afternoon. 

* WHAT...A very long period WNW swell with initial periods in 
  excess of 20 seconds will bring a threat of dangerous sneaker 
  waves to area beaches. Enhanced strength of rip currents and 
  moderate to large breaking waves at the end of the event. 

* WHEN...10 AM Wednesday morning through 4 PM Thursday evening.

* WHERE...Entire coast from Sonoma southward through Big Sur,
  excluding the sheltered northern portion of the Monterey Bay.
  The main impacts will be felt at W-WNW beaches,including but not
  limited to: Ocean beach, Montara state beach, Halfmoon bay state
  beach, Manresa state beach, Marina state beach.Coastline from
  sonoma county south through Monterey county. 

* IMPACTS...Potential sneaker waves will create dangerous
  conditions at area beaches. Steep beaches will have a higher
  risk of sneaker wave activity with greater wave run-up onto
  beaches. Occasionally larger waves will also wash over jetties
  and rock outcroppings that normally stay dry. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Beach Hazard Statement for sneaker waves means that conditions 
are present to support an increased danger of unsuspecting beach 
goers being swept into the sea by a wave. People walking along the
beach should never turn their back to the sea. Fisherman should 
avoid fishing from rocks or jetties. Beachcombing is not advised.

&&

$$
DRP
12 follow-up statements
453 
WHUS46 KMTR 011938
CFWMTR

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service San Francisco CA
1138 AM PST Tue Dec 1 2020

...Very Long Period Swell will bring Dangerous Sneaker Waves...

.A very long period WNW swell will impact the Sonoma to Big Sur
coast through the day on Wednesday and persist into Thursday.
Initial forerunner waves of 24 to 27 seconds will begin to arrive
along the Sonoma coast overnight Tuesday night into early
Wednesday morning before spreading southward through the day. The
primary timeframe of concern from this event will be midday
Wednesday into Thursday morning as the wave heights rise to 3 to
7 feet at a periodicity of 19 to 24 seconds. A high to extreme
risk of sneaker waves will exist during this timeframe. The
largest energetic sneaker waves will arrive irregularly every few
minutes to as infrequently as once every 30 minutes during
otherwise deceptively calmer seas and consequently may catch
those on coastal jetties, rocks, piers, or shorelines offguard
and may injure them or knock them into the cold, turbulent ocean.
Beachcombing is not advised during this timeframe. In addition,
strong rip currents will accompany the energetic wave train,
particularly at WNW facing beaches. These type of events claim
lives each year along our coast so extreme vigilance is advised
if visiting the coast. Finally, moderate to locally large
breaking waves of 14 to 18 feet will be possible later in the day
on Thursday at WNW facing beaches as the swell period decreases
and swell heights increase, thus this product will be in effect
through the day Thursday.

CAZ006-505-509-530-020600-
/O.CON.KMTR.BH.S.0012.201202T1800Z-201204T0000Z/
San Francisco-
Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore-
San Francisco Peninsula Coast-
Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast-
1138 AM PST Tue Dec 1 2020

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM WEDNESDAY MORNING
THROUGH 4 PM THURSDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...A very long period WNW swell with initial periods in 
  excess of 20 seconds will bring a threat of dangerous sneaker 
  waves to area beaches. Enhanced strength of rip currents and 
  moderate to large breaking waves at the end of the event. 

* WHEN...10 AM Wednesday morning through 4 PM Thursday afternoon.

* WHERE...Entire coast from Sonoma southward through Big Sur,
  excluding the sheltered northern portion of the Monterey Bay.
  The main impacts will be felt at W-WNW beaches,including but not
  limited to: Ocean beach, Montara state beach, Halfmoon Bay 
  state beach, Manresa state beach, Marina state beach. 

* IMPACTS...Potential sneaker waves will create dangerous 
  conditions at area beaches. Steep beaches will have a higher 
  risk of sneaker wave activity with greater wave run-up onto 
  beaches. Occasionally larger waves will also wash over jetties 
  and rock outcroppings that normally stay dry. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Beach Hazard Statement for sneaker waves means that conditions
are present to support an increased danger of unsuspecting beach
goers being swept into the sea by a wave. People walking along
the beach should never turn their back to the sea. Fisherman
should avoid fishing from rocks or jetties. Beachcombing is not
advised.

&&

$$
393 
WHUS46 KMTR 020530
CFWMTR

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service San Francisco CA
930 PM PST Tue Dec 1 2020

...Very Long Period Swell will bring Dangerous Sneaker Waves...

.A very long period WNW swell will impact the Sonoma to Big Sur
coast through the day on Wednesday and persist into Thursday.
Initial forerunner waves of 24 to 27 seconds will begin to arrive
along the Sonoma coast overnight tonight into early Wednesday 
morning before spreading southward through the day. The primary 
timeframe of concern from this event will be midday Wednesday into
Thursday morning as the wave heights rise to 3 to 7 feet at a 
periodicity of 19 to 24 seconds. A high to extreme risk of sneaker
waves will exist during this timeframe. The largest energetic 
sneaker waves will arrive irregularly every few minutes to as 
infrequently as once every 30 minutes during otherwise deceptively
calmer seas and consequently may catch those on coastal jetties, 
rocks, piers, or shorelines offguard and may injure them or knock 
them into the cold, turbulent ocean. Beachcombing is not advised 
during this timeframe. In addition, strong rip currents will 
accompany the energetic wave train, particularly at WNW facing 
beaches. These type of events claim lives each year along our 
coast so extreme vigilance is advised if visiting the coast. 
Finally, moderate to locally large breaking waves of 14 to 18 feet
will be possible later in the day on Thursday at WNW facing 
beaches as the swell period decreases and swell heights increase, 
thus this product will be in effect through the day Thursday.

CAZ006-505-509-530-021800-
/O.CON.KMTR.BH.S.0012.201202T1800Z-201204T0000Z/
San Francisco-
Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore-
San Francisco Peninsula Coast-
Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast-
930 PM PST Tue Dec 1 2020

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY
MORNING THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...A very long period WNW swell with initial periods in 
  excess of 20 seconds will bring a threat of dangerous sneaker 
  waves to area beaches. Enhanced strength of rip currents and 
  moderate to large breaking waves at the end of the event. 

* WHEN...10 AM Wednesday morning through 4 PM Thursday afternoon.

* WHERE...Entire coast from Sonoma southward through Big Sur,
  excluding the sheltered northern portion of the Monterey Bay.
  The main impacts will be felt at W-WNW beaches,including but not
  limited to: Ocean beach, Montara state beach, Halfmoon Bay 
  state beach, Manresa state beach, Marina state beach. 

* IMPACTS...Potential sneaker waves will create dangerous 
  conditions at area beaches. Steep beaches will have a higher 
  risk of sneaker wave activity with greater wave run-up onto 
  beaches. Occasionally larger waves will also wash over jetties 
  and rock outcroppings that normally stay dry. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Beach Hazard Statement for sneaker waves means that conditions
are present to support an increased danger of unsuspecting beach
goers being swept into the sea by a wave. People walking along
the beach should never turn their back to the sea. Fisherman
should avoid fishing from rocks or jetties. Beachcombing is not
advised.

&&

$$
572 
WHUS46 KMTR 021731
CFWMTR

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service San Francisco CA
931 AM PST Wed Dec 2 2020

...Very Long Period Swell will bring Dangerous Sneaker Waves...

.A very long period WNW swell will impact the Sonoma to Big Sur
coast through the day today and persist into Thursday. Initial 
forerunner waves of 24 to 27 seconds will begin to arrive along 
the Sonoma coast this morning before spreading southward through 
the day. The primary timeframe of concern from this event will be 
midday today into Thursday morning as the wave heights rise to 3 
to 7 feet at a periodicity of 19 to 24 seconds. A high to extreme 
risk of sneaker waves will exist during this timeframe. The 
largest energetic sneaker waves will arrive irregularly every few 
minutes to as infrequently as once every 30 minutes during 
otherwise deceptively calmer seas and consequently may catch those
on coastal jetties, rocks, piers, or shorelines offguard and may 
injure them or knock them into the cold, turbulent ocean. 
Beachcombing is not advised during this timeframe. In addition, 
strong rip currents will accompany the energetic wave train, 
particularly at WNW facing beaches. These type of events claim 
lives each year along our coast so extreme vigilance is advised if
visiting the coast. Finally, moderate to locally large breaking 
waves of 14 to 18 feet will be possible later in the day on 
Thursday at WNW facing beaches as the swell period decreases and 
swell heights increase, thus this product will be in effect 
through the day Thursday.

CAZ006-505-509-530-030700-
/O.CON.KMTR.BH.S.0012.201202T1800Z-201204T0000Z/
San Francisco-
Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore-
San Francisco Peninsula Coast-
Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast-
931 AM PST Wed Dec 2 2020

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...A very long period WNW swell with initial periods in
  excess of 20 seconds will bring a threat of dangerous sneaker
  waves to area beaches. Enhanced strength of rip currents.
  Moderate to large breaking waves at the end of the event
  Thursday.

* WHEN...10 AM Wednesday morning through 4 PM Thursday afternoon.

* WHERE...Entire coast from Sonoma southward through Big Sur, 
  excluding the sheltered northern portion of the Monterey Bay. 
  The main impacts will be felt at W-WNW beaches,including but 
  not limited to: Ocean beach, Montara state beach, Halfmoon Bay 
  state beach, Manresa state beach, Marina state beach.

* IMPACTS...Potential sneaker waves will create dangerous
  conditions at area beaches. Steep beaches will have a higher
  risk of sneaker wave activity with greater wave run-up onto
  beaches. Occasionally larger waves will also wash over jetties
  and rock outcroppings that normally stay dry.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Beach Hazard Statement for sneaker waves means that conditions
are present to support an increased danger of unsuspecting beach
goers being swept into the sea by a wave. People walking along
the beach should never turn their back to the sea. Fisherman
should avoid fishing from rocks or jetties. Beachcombing is not
advised.

&&

$$
480 
WHUS46 KMTR 030433
CFWMTR

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service San Francisco CA
833 PM PST Wed Dec 2 2020

...Very Long Period Swell will bring Dangerous Sneaker Waves...

.A very long period WNW swell will continue to impact our coast
from Sonoma southward to Big Sur tonight and Thursday. The 
primary timeframe of concern for this event is tonight and 
Thursday morning, with wave heights rising to 3 to 7 feet with 
periods of 19 to 24 seconds. The result is a high to extreme risk 
of sneaker waves. The largest energetic sneaker waves will arrive 
irregularly every few minutes to as infrequently as once every 30 
minutes during otherwise deceptively calmer seas and consequently 
may catch those on coastal jetties, rocks, piers, or shorelines 
offguard and may injure them or knock them into the cold, 
turbulent ocean. Beachcombing is not advised during this 
timeframe. In addition, strong rip currents will accompany the 
energetic wave train, particularly at WNW facing beaches. These 
types of events claim lives each year along our coast so extreme 
vigilance is advised if visiting the coast. Finally, moderate to 
locally large breaking waves of 14 to 18 feet will be possible 
later in the day on Thursday at WNW facing beaches as the swell 
period decreases and swell heights increase, thus this product 
will be in effect through the day Thursday.

CAZ006-505-509-530-031300-
/O.CON.KMTR.BH.S.0012.000000T0000Z-201204T0000Z/
San Francisco-
Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore-
San Francisco Peninsula Coast-
Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast-
833 PM PST Wed Dec 2 2020

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...A very long period WNW swell will continue to bring a
  threat of dangerous sneaker waves to area beaches, as well as
  strong rip currents. Moderate to large breaking waves towards 
  the end of the event Thursday afternoon.

* WHEN...Continuing through 4 PM Thursday afternoon.

* WHERE...Entire coast from Sonoma southward to Big Sur, 
  excluding the sheltered northern portion of the Monterey Bay. 
  The main impacts will be felt at W-WNW beaches,including but not
  limited to: Ocean beach, Montara state beach, Half Moon Bay 
  state beach, Manresa state beach, and Marina state beach.

* IMPACTS...Potential sneaker waves will create dangerous
  conditions at area beaches. Steep beaches will have a higher
  risk of sneaker wave activity with greater wave run-up onto
  beaches. Occasionally larger waves will also wash over jetties
  and rock outcroppings that normally stay dry.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Beach Hazard Statement for sneaker waves means that conditions
are present to support an increased danger of unsuspecting beach
goers being swept into the sea by a wave. People walking along
the beach should never turn their back to the sea. Fisherman
should avoid fishing from rocks or jetties. Beachcombing is not
advised.

&&

$$
550 
WHUS46 KMTR 031344
CFWMTR

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service San Francisco CA
544 AM PST Thu Dec 3 2020

...Very Long Period Swell will bring Dangerous Sneaker Waves...

.A very long period WNW swell will continue to impact our coast 
from Sonoma southward to Big Sur today. Expect moderate to locally
large breaking waves of 14 to 18 feet, especially at WNW facing 
beaches, while swell periods of 20 to 23 seconds decrease. The 
result is a high to extreme risk of sneaker waves. The largest 
energetic sneaker waves will arrive irregularly every few minutes 
to as infrequently as once every 30 minutes during otherwise 
deceptively calmer seas and consequently may catch those on 
coastal jetties, rocks, piers, or shorelines offguard and may 
injure them or knock them into the cold, turbulent ocean. 
Beachcombing is not advised during this timeframe. In addition, 
strong rip currents will accompany the energetic wave train, 
particularly at WNW facing beaches. These types of events claim 
lives each year along our coast so extreme vigilance is advised if
visiting the coast. A beach hazard statement remains in effect 
through 4 PM today.

CAZ006-505-509-530-040000-
/O.CON.KMTR.BH.S.0012.000000T0000Z-201204T0000Z/
San Francisco-
Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore-
San Francisco Peninsula Coast-
Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast-
544 AM PST Thu Dec 3 2020

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...A very long period WNW swell will continue to bring a
  threat of dangerous sneaker waves to area beaches, as well as
  strong rip currents. Moderate to large breaking waves towards
  the end of the event this afternoon. 

* WHEN...Continuing through 4 PM this afternoon.

* WHERE...Entire coast from Sonoma southward to Big Sur, 
  excluding the sheltered northern portion of the Monterey Bay. 
  The main impacts will be felt at W-WNW beaches,including but 
  not limited to: Ocean beach, Montara state beach, Half Moon 
  Bay state beach, Manresa state beach, and Marina state beach. 

* IMPACTS...Potential sneaker waves will create dangerous 
  conditions at area beaches. Steep beaches will have a higher 
  risk of sneaker wave activity with greater wave run-up onto 
  beaches. Occasionally larger waves will also wash over jetties 
  and rock outcroppings that normally stay dry. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Beach Hazard Statement for sneaker waves means that conditions
are present to support an increased danger of unsuspecting beach
goers being swept into the sea by a wave. People walking along
the beach should never turn their back to the sea. Fisherman
should avoid fishing from rocks or jetties. Beachcombing is not
advised.

&&

$$
540 
WHUS46 KMTR 031708
CFWMTR

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service San Francisco CA
908 AM PST Thu Dec 3 2020

...Very Long Period Swell will bring Dangerous Sneaker Waves...

.A very long period WNW swell will continue to impact our coast
from Sonoma through Monterey Counties today. Expect moderate to 
locally large breaking waves generally 14 to 18 feet with isolated
peak locations potentially reaching 18 to 25 feet. With building
height and periods in the 18+ second range, the result is an 
extreme risk of sneaker waves. The largest and most energetic 
sneaker waves will arrive irregularly, from every few minutes to 
as infrequently as once every 30 minutes during otherwise 
deceptively calmer seas. These consequently may catch those on 
coastal jetties, rocks, piers, or shorelines offguard and may 
injure them or knock them into the cold, turbulent ocean. 
Beachcombing is not advised during this timeframe. In addition, 
strong rip currents will accompany the energetic wave train, 
particularly at WNW facing beaches. These types of events claim 
lives each year along our coast so extreme vigilance is advised if
visiting the coast. A beach hazard statement remains in effect 
through 4 PM today, but may be extended if conditions warrant.

CAZ006-505-509-530-040000-
/O.CON.KMTR.BH.S.0012.000000T0000Z-201204T0000Z/
San Francisco-
Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore-
San Francisco Peninsula Coast-
Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast-
908 AM PST Thu Dec 3 2020

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...A very long period WNW swell will continue to bring a 
  threat of dangerous sneaker waves to area beaches, as well as 
  strong rip currents. Moderate to large breaking waves towards 
  the end of the event this afternoon. 

* WHEN...Continuing through at least 4 PM this afternoon.

* WHERE...Entire coast from Sonoma County southward to the Big Sur
  coast of Monterey County. Excluding the sheltered northern
  portion of the Monterey Bay. The main impacts will be felt at
  W-WNW beaches,including but not limited to: Ocean beach, Montara
  state beach, Half Moon Bay state beach, Manresa state beach, and
  Marina state beach.

* IMPACTS...Sneaker waves will create dangerous conditions at 
  area beaches. Steep beaches will have a higher risk of sneaker 
  wave activity with greater wave run-up onto beaches. 
  Occasionally larger waves will also wash over jetties and rock 
  outcroppings that normally stay dry. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Beach Hazard Statement for sneaker waves means that conditions
are present to support an increased danger of unsuspecting beach
goers being swept into the sea by a wave. People walking along
the beach should never turn their back to the sea. Fisherman
should avoid fishing from rocks or jetties. Beachcombing is not
advised.

&&

$$
068 
WHUS46 KMTR 032235
CFWMTR

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service San Francisco CA
235 PM PST Thu Dec 3 2020

...Very Long Period Swell will bring Dangerous Sneaker Waves...

Beach Hazard Statement has been extended into Friday afternoon.

Long period swell will continue into Friday which will maintain
the increased risk of sneaker waves and strong rip currents. While
swell will peak overnight in the around 12-14 feet at 17-18
seconds, it will have a slow decline through much of Friday.

Sneaker waves are waves that seem to come out of nowhere and can
have a periodicity of minutes to tens of minutes. A deceptively
calm ocean typically exist between the sets of sneaker waves.
These consequently may catch those on coastal jetties, rocks, 
piers, or shorelines offguard and may injure them or knock them 
into the cold, turbulent ocean. Beachcombing is not advised during
this timeframe. In addition, strong rip currents will accompany 
the energetic wave train, particularly at WNW facing beaches. 
These types of events claim lives each year along our coast so 
extreme vigilance is advised if visiting the coast.

CAZ006-505-509-530-040645-
/O.EXT.KMTR.BH.S.0012.000000T0000Z-201204T2300Z/
San Francisco-
Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore-
San Francisco Peninsula Coast-
Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast-
235 PM PST Thu Dec 3 2020

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...A very long period WNW swell will continue to bring a 
  threat of dangerous sneaker waves to area beaches, as well as 
  strong rip currents. Moderate to large breaking waves towards 
  the end of the event this afternoon.

* WHEN...Through Friday afternoon.

* WHERE...Entire coast from Sonoma County southward to the Big 
  Sur coast of Monterey County. Excluding the sheltered northern 
  portion of the Monterey Bay. The main impacts will be felt at 
  W- WNW beaches,including but not limited to: Ocean beach, 
  Montara state beach, Half Moon Bay state beach, Manresa state 
  beach, and Marina state beach.

* IMPACTS...Sneaker waves will create dangerous conditions at area
  beaches. Steep beaches will have a higher risk of sneaker wave
  activity with greater wave run-up onto beaches. Occasionally
  larger waves will also wash over jetties and rock outcroppings
  that normally stay dry.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Beach Hazard Statement for sneaker waves means that conditions
are present to support an increased danger of unsuspecting beach
goers being swept into the sea by a wave. People walking along
the beach should never turn their back to the sea. Fisherman
should avoid fishing from rocks or jetties. Beachcombing is not
advised.

&&

$$
317 
WHUS46 KMTR 040625
CFWMTR

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service San Francisco CA
1025 PM PST Thu Dec 3 2020

...Very Long Period Swell will bring Dangerous Sneaker Waves...

Beach Hazard Statement has been extended into Friday afternoon.

Long period swell will continue into Friday which will maintain
the increased risk of sneaker waves and strong rip currents.
Swell will peak overnight at around 12-14 feet at 17- 18 seconds,
and will slowly decline through much of Friday.

Sneaker waves are waves that seem to come out of nowhere and can
have a periodicity of minutes to tens of minutes. A deceptively
calm ocean typically exists between the sets of sneaker waves.
These consequently may catch those on coastal jetties, rocks,
piers, or shorelines offguard and may injure them or knock them
into the cold, turbulent ocean. Beachcombing is not advised
during this timeframe. In addition, strong rip currents will
accompany the energetic wave train, particularly at WNW facing
beaches. These types of events claim lives each year along our
coast so extreme vigilance is advised if visiting the coast.

CAZ006-505-509-530-041100-
/O.CON.KMTR.BH.S.0012.000000T0000Z-201204T2300Z/
San Francisco-
Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore-
San Francisco Peninsula Coast-
Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast-
1025 PM PST Thu Dec 3 2020

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...A very long period WNW swell will continue to bring a
  threat of dangerous sneaker waves to area beaches, as well as
  strong rip currents. Moderate to large breaking waves towards
  the end of the event this afternoon.

* WHEN...Through Friday afternoon.

* WHERE...San Francisco, Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes 
  National Seashore, San Francisco Peninsula Coast and Southern 
  Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast Counties.

* IMPACTS...Sneaker waves will create dangerous conditions at area
  beaches. Steep beaches will have a higher risk of sneaker wave
  activity with greater wave run-up onto beaches. Occasionally
  larger waves will also wash over jetties and rock outcroppings
  that normally stay dry.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
507 
WHUS46 KMTR 041004
CFWMTR

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service San Francisco CA
204 AM PST Fri Dec 4 2020

...Long Period Swell will bring Dangerous Sneaker Waves...

Beach Hazard Statement will continue into this afternoon.

Long period swell will continue into this afternoon which will 
maintain the increased risk of sneaker waves and strong rip 
currents. Swell will peak overnight at around 12-14 feet at 17- 18
seconds, and will slowly decline through much of today.

Sneaker waves are waves that seem to come out of nowhere and can
have a periodicity of minutes to tens of minutes. A deceptively
calm ocean typically exists between the sets of sneaker waves.
These consequently may catch those on coastal jetties, rocks,
piers, or shorelines offguard and may injure them or knock them
into the cold, turbulent ocean. Beachcombing is not advised
during this timeframe. In addition, strong rip currents will
accompany the energetic wave train, particularly at WNW facing
beaches. These types of events claim lives each year along our
coast so extreme vigilance is advised if visiting the coast.

CAZ006-505-509-530-041815-
/O.CON.KMTR.BH.S.0012.000000T0000Z-201204T2300Z/
San Francisco-
Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore-
San Francisco Peninsula Coast-
Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast-
204 AM PST Fri Dec 4 2020

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...A long period WNW swell will continue to bring a threat
  of dangerous sneaker waves to area beaches, as well as strong
  rip currents. Moderate to large breaking waves overnight
  into early this morning.

* WHEN...Through this afternoon.

* WHERE...San Francisco, Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes 
  National Seashore, San Francisco Peninsula Coast and Southern 
  Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast Counties.

* IMPACTS...Sneaker waves will create dangerous conditions at area
  beaches. Steep beaches will have a higher risk of sneaker wave
  activity with greater wave run-up onto beaches. Occasionally
  larger waves will also wash over jetties and rock outcroppings
  that normally stay dry.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
084 
WHUS46 KMTR 041637
CFWMTR

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service San Francisco CA
837 AM PST Fri Dec 4 2020

...Long Period Swell will bring Dangerous Sneaker Waves...

Beach Hazard Statement continues into this afternoon.

Long period swell will continue into this afternoon which will
maintain the increased risk of sneaker waves and strong rip
currents. Swell will slowly subside today and Saturday.

Sneaker waves are waves that seem to come out of nowhere and can
have a periodicity of minutes to tens of minutes. A deceptively
calm ocean typically exists between the sets of sneaker waves.
These consequently may catch those on coastal jetties, rocks,
piers, or shorelines offguard and may injure them or knock them
into the cold, turbulent ocean. Beachcombing is not advised
during this timeframe. In addition, strong rip currents will
accompany the energetic wave train, particularly at WNW facing
beaches. These types of events claim lives each year along our
coast so extreme vigilance is advised if visiting the coast.

CAZ006-505-509-530-042300-
/O.CON.KMTR.BH.S.0012.000000T0000Z-201204T2300Z/
San Francisco-
Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore-
San Francisco Peninsula Coast-
Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast-
837 AM PST Fri Dec 4 2020

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 PM PST THIS
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...A long period WNW swell will continue to bring a threat
  of dangerous sneaker waves to area beaches, as well as strong
  rip currents. Moderate to large breaking waves are possible
  through the afternoon. 

* WHEN...Through this afternoon.

* WHERE...San Francisco, Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes 
  National Seashore, San Francisco Peninsula Coast and Southern 
  Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast Counties. 

* IMPACTS...Sneaker waves will create dangerous conditions at 
  area beaches. Steep beaches will have a higher risk of sneaker 
  wave activity with greater wave run-up onto beaches. 
  Occasionally larger waves will also wash over jetties and rock 
  outcroppings that normally stay dry. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
253 
WHUS46 KMTR 042231
CFWMTR

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service San Francisco CA
231 PM PST Fri Dec 4 2020

...Long Period Swell will bring Dangerous Sneaker Waves...

Beach Hazard Statement continues into this evening.

Long period swell is holding height and period this afternoon
causing the risk of sneaker waves and strong rips to continue. The
threat will now continue into the evening hours before the swell
slowly subsides overnight.

As of 2:30 pm Friday, buoys continue to report open ocean height
of near 11 feet with a dominant period of 16-17 seconds.

Sneaker waves are waves that seem to come out of nowhere and can
have a periodicity of minutes to tens of minutes. A deceptively
calm ocean typically exists between the sets of sneaker waves.
These consequently may catch those on coastal jetties, rocks,
piers, or shorelines offguard and may injure them or knock them
into the cold, turbulent ocean. Beachcombing is not advised
during this timeframe. In addition, strong rip currents will
accompany the energetic wave train, particularly at WNW facing
beaches. These types of events claim lives each year along our
coast so extreme vigilance is advised if visiting the coast.

CAZ006-505-509-530-050500-
/O.EXT.KMTR.BH.S.0012.000000T0000Z-201205T0500Z/
San Francisco-
Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore-
San Francisco Peninsula Coast-
Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast-
231 PM PST Fri Dec 4 2020

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...A long period WNW swell will continue to bring a threat
  of dangerous sneaker waves to area beaches, as well as strong
  rip currents. Moderate to large breaking waves are possible
  through this evening. 

* WHEN...Through this evening.

* WHERE...San Francisco, Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes 
  National Seashore, San Francisco Peninsula Coast and Southern 
  Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast Counties. 

* IMPACTS...Sneaker waves will create dangerous conditions at 
  area beaches. Steep beaches will have a higher risk of sneaker 
  wave activity with greater wave run-up onto beaches. 
  Occasionally larger waves will also wash over jetties and rock 
  outcroppings that normally stay dry. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.

&&

$$
714 
WHUS46 KMTR 050454
CFWMTR

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service San Francisco CA
854 PM PST Fri Dec 4 2020


CAZ006-505-509-530-050600-
/O.EXP.KMTR.BH.S.0012.000000T0000Z-201205T0500Z/
San Francisco-
Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore-
San Francisco Peninsula Coast-
Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast-
854 PM PST Fri Dec 4 2020

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT WILL EXPIRE AT 9 PM PST THIS EVENING...

Long period NW swell continues to subside this evening through 
Saturday morning. Please be advised that occasional large breaking
waves are still possible through the morning hours. Exercise
caution if you are on the beach and do not turn your back to the
ocean.

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS San Francisco Bay Area, CA issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 1, 7:12 AM PSTDense Fog AdvisoryMTRAlameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara3 hr

Nearby

Beach Hazards Statements in California, 2020Every beach hazards statement in 2020

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive.