Alert archive / California / High Surf Warnings in 2021

High Surf Warning 1, NWS San Francisco Bay Area, CA

January 9, 20216 counties in California

NWS San Francisco Bay Area, CA issued this high surf warning at Jan 9, 2021, 8:18 AM PST for 6 counties in California. It took effect at Jan 10, 2021, 7:00 AM PST. It was in force for 14 hr. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Jan 9, 2021, 8:18 AM PST (16:18 UTC)
In effect from
Jan 10, 2021, 7:00 AM PST
Expired
Jan 10, 2021, 9:00 PM PST
In force
14 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 radar

The San Francisco radar (KMUX), 53 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 16:19 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Oakland, CA (KOAK), launched 12:00Z, 4.3 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 2021-01-09Temperature 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 2021-01-09The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -22 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
1228 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
37 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-22 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
25 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

173 
WHUS46 KMTR 091618
CFWMTR

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service San Francisco CA
818 AM PST Sat Jan 9 2021

CAZ006-505-509-529-530-100500-
/O.NEW.KMTR.SU.W.0001.210110T1500Z-210111T0500Z/
San Francisco-
Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore-
San Francisco Peninsula Coast-Northern Monterey Bay-
Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast-
818 AM PST Sat Jan 9 2021

...HIGH SURF WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM PST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Dangerously large breaking waves of 23 to 28 feet,
  locally in excess of 30 feet at favored breakpoints. These waves
  will also result in an increased risk of strong rip currents and
  coastal erosion. 

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

* WHEN...From 7 AM to 9 PM PST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Large breaking waves can sweep people off jetties and
  rocks, and into dangerous seas. Life-threatening swimming
  conditions and localized beach erosion can be expected. Cold
  water rescues or drownings are more likely with these waves and
  stronger rip currents.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...While west-northwest swell will gradually
  subside Monday into Tuesday, high astronomical tides will
  coincide with larger than normal waves resulting in an increased
  risk of minor coastal flooding.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening
surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside
infrastructure.

&&

$$
4 follow-up statements
508 
WHUS46 KMTR 100340
CFWMTR

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service San Francisco CA
740 PM PST Sat Jan 9 2021

CAZ006-505-509-529-530-101400-
/O.CON.KMTR.SU.W.0001.210110T1500Z-210111T0500Z/
San Francisco-
Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore-
San Francisco Peninsula Coast-Northern Monterey Bay-
Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast-
740 PM PST Sat Jan 9 2021

...HIGH SURF WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM PST
SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Dangerously large breaking waves of 23 to 28 feet, 
  locally in excess of 30 feet at favored breakpoints. These 
  waves will also result in an increased risk of strong rip 
  currents and coastal erosion. 

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

* WHEN...From 7 AM to 9 PM PST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Large breaking waves can sweep people off jetties 
  and rocks, and into dangerous seas. Life-threatening swimming 
  conditions and localized beach erosion can be expected. Cold 
  water rescues or drownings are more likely with these waves 
  and stronger rip currents. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...While west-northwest swell will gradually 
  subside Monday into Tuesday, high astronomical tides will 
  coincide with larger than normal waves resulting in an 
  increased risk of minor coastal flooding. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening
surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside
infrastructure.

&&

$$
376 
WHUS46 KMTR 100909
CFWMTR

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service San Francisco CA
109 AM PST Sun Jan 10 2021

...LARGE LONG PERIOD NORTHWEST SWELL WILL BRING HAZARDOUS
CONDITIONS ALONG THE COAST THROUGH SUNDAY...

...KING TIDES WILL CAUSE MINOR COASTAL OVERFLOW AND FLOODING
MONDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON...

.A new large, long period northwest swell arrives on Sunday which
will result in breaking waves from 23 to 28 feet, and locally 
up to 30 feet at favored breakpoints. A High Surf Warning will be
in effect through much of Sunday for an increased risk of rip 
currents and large shore break. Sea surface temperatures remain 
cold, down in the lower to mid 50s. Cold water drownings occur 
each year with these events but are avoidable by remaining a safe 
distance from the coastline. Continued vigilance is advised. 
Additionally, King Tides have returned to the region and will ebb 
and flood on Monday. Large, long period swell and highest high 
tides of the year will overlap and allow the intrusion of seawater
into low lying areas, generating minor coastal flooding. The 
highest of the high tides is expected on Monday morning. Thus, the
surf zone/area beaches will be hazardous leading up to it and 
through Monday afternoon.

CAZ006-505-509-529-530-102300-
/O.NEW.KMTR.CF.Y.0001.210111T1100Z-210111T2300Z/
/O.CON.KMTR.SU.W.0001.210110T1500Z-210111T0500Z/
San Francisco-
Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore-
San Francisco Peninsula Coast-Northern Monterey Bay-
Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast-
109 AM PST Sun Jan 10 2021

...HIGH SURF WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO
9 PM PST THIS EVENING...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 3 PM PST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...For the High Surf Warning, dangerously large breaking
  waves of 23 to 28 feet, locally in excess of 30 feet at favored
  breakpoints. These waves will also result in an increased risk
  of strong rip currents and coastal erosion. For the Coastal
  Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding expected. High tides
  expected in the mid to late mornings with low tides in the late
  afternoon to early evenings. The High Tide at San Francisco 
  will meet or exceed 7 feet each morning.

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

* WHEN...For the High Surf Warning, from 7 AM this morning to 9 
  PM PST this evening. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 3 AM 
  to 3 PM PST Monday.

* IMPACTS...For the High Surf Warning, Large breaking waves can
  sweep people off jetties and rocks, and into dangerous seas.
  Life-threatening swimming conditions and localized beach erosion
  can be expected. Cold water rescues or drownings are more likely
  with these waves and stronger rip currents. For the Coastal
  Flood Advisory, flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only
  isolated road closures expected.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...With a large northwest swell occurring at
  the same time as the high astronomical tides, larger run up and
  coastal erosion along coastal areas is possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be
closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of
unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.

Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening
surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside
infrastructure.

&&

$$

CAZ506-102300-
/O.NEW.KMTR.CF.Y.0001.210111T1100Z-210111T2300Z/
North Bay Interior Valleys-
109 AM PST Sun Jan 10 2021

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 3 PM PST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Minor coastal flooding expected.

* WHERE...Shorelines of the North San Francisco Bay and San Pablo
  Bay.

* WHEN...From 3 AM to 3 PM PST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only 
  isolated road closures expected.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...With a large northwest swell occurring at
  the same time as the high astronomical tides, larger run up and
  coastal erosion along coastal areas is possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be
closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of
unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.

&&

$$
893 
WHUS46 KMTR 102139
CFWMTR

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service San Francisco CA
139 PM PST Sun Jan 10 2021

...LARGE LONG PERIOD NORTHWEST SWELL WILL BRING HAZARDOUS
CONDITIONS ALONG THE COAST THROUGH SUNDAY...

...KING TIDES WILL CAUSE MINOR COASTAL OVERFLOW AND FLOODING
MONDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON...

.A large, long period northwest will continue to result in 
breaking waves from 23 to 28 feet, and locally up to 30 feet at 
favored breakpoints. Thus, a High Surf Warning remains in effect 
through Sunday evening. While the swell and associated waves begin
to subside overnight and into Monday morning, large breaking 
waves will continue to impact the coast. 

Additionally, high astronomical tides will coincide with these
larger than normal waves to produce minor coastal flooding. The 
peak of the high tides is expected on Monday morning when the 
intrusion of seawater into low lying areas is most likely. Thus, 
a Coastal Flood Advisory has been issued for early Monday morning
through Monday afternoon.

CAZ006-505-509-529-530-110500-
/O.CON.KMTR.SU.W.0001.000000T0000Z-210111T0500Z/
/O.CON.KMTR.CF.Y.0001.210111T1100Z-210111T2300Z/
San Francisco-
Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore-
San Francisco Peninsula Coast-Northern Monterey Bay-
Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast-
139 PM PST Sun Jan 10 2021

...HIGH SURF WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PST THIS
EVENING...
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 3 PM PST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...For the High Surf Warning, dangerously large breaking 
  waves of 23 to 28 feet, locally in excess of 30 feet at 
  favored breakpoints. These waves will also result in an 
  increased risk of strong rip currents and coastal erosion. For 
  the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding expected. 
  High tides expected in the mid to late mornings with low tides 
  in the late afternoon to early evenings. The High Tide at San 
  Francisco will meet or exceed 7 feet each morning.

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

* WHEN...For the High Surf Warning, until 9 PM PST this evening. 
  For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 3 AM to 3 PM PST Monday.

* IMPACTS...For the High Surf Warning, Large breaking waves can 
  sweep people off jetties and rocks, and into dangerous seas. 
  Life- threatening swimming conditions and localized beach 
  erosion can be expected. Cold water rescues or drownings are 
  more likely with these waves and stronger rip currents. For 
  the Coastal Flood Advisory, flooding of lots, parks, and roads 
  with only isolated road closures expected.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...With a large northwest swell occurring at 
  the same time as the high astronomical tides, larger run up 
  and coastal erosion along coastal areas is possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be
closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of
unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.

Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening
surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside
infrastructure.

&&

$$

CAZ506-110500-
/O.CON.KMTR.CF.Y.0001.210111T1100Z-210111T2300Z/
North Bay Interior Valleys-
139 PM PST Sun Jan 10 2021

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 3 PM PST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Minor coastal flooding expected.

* WHERE...North Bay Interior Valleys.

* WHEN...From 3 AM to 3 PM PST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only 
  isolated road closures expected.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...With a large northwest swell occurring at 
  the same time as the high astronomical tides, larger run up 
  and coastal erosion along coastal areas is possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be
closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of
unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.

&&

$$
143 
WHUS46 KMTR 110512
CFWMTR

Coastal Hazard Message
National Weather Service San Francisco CA
912 PM PST Sun Jan 10 2021

...HIGH SURF WARNING EXPIRED AT 9 PM PST THIS EVENING...

...KING TIDES WILL CAUSE MINOR COASTAL OVERFLOW AND FLOODING
MONDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON...

.High astronomical tides will coincide with these larger than 
normal waves to produce minor coastal flooding. The peak of the 
high tides is expected on Monday morning when the intrusion of 
seawater into low lying areas is most likely. Thus, a Coastal 
Flood Advisory has been issued for early Monday morning through 
Monday afternoon.

CAZ006-505-509-529-530-111400-
/O.EXP.KMTR.SU.W.0001.000000T0000Z-210111T0500Z/
/O.CON.KMTR.CF.Y.0001.210111T1100Z-210111T2300Z/
San Francisco-
Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore-
San Francisco Peninsula Coast-Northern Monterey Bay-
Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast-
912 PM PST Sun Jan 10 2021

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 3 PM PST
MONDAY...
...HIGH SURF WARNING EXPIRED AT 9 PM PST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...West to northwest swell continuing to decrease overnight
  through Monday. The High Surf Warning expired at 9 pm PST this 
  evening. At 8 pm swell heights at buoy 59 located 400 miles 
  northwest of San Francisco have lowered to 11 feet every 15 
  seconds. 8 pm swell heights at Point Arena and Bodega Bay buoys 
  have lowered to 13 to 15 feet with 15 second periods. Strong rip
  currents and minor coastal erosion are still possible overnight
  mainly along the southern coastline as swell heights decrease 
  to 15 feet and lower by early Monday morning. For the Coastal 
  Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding expected. High tides 
  expected in the mid to late mornings with low tides in the late 
  afternoon to early evenings. The High Tide at San Francisco will
  meet or exceed 7 feet each morning.

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

* WHEN...For the High Surf Warning, expired at 9 PM PST this 
  evening. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 3 AM to 3 PM PST 
  Monday. 

* IMPACTS...Large breaking waves are often life-threatening and
  can easily sweep people off jetties and rocks into dangerous 
  seas. Large waves can produce localized beach erosion. Cold 
  water rescues or drownings are more likely with these waves and 
  stronger rip currents. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, flooding 
  of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures 
  expected. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...With a large northwest swell occurring at 
  the same time as the high astronomical tides, larger run up 
  and coastal erosion along coastal areas is possible. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be
closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of
unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.

Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening
surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, and other waterside
infrastructure.

&&

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Coastal Flood Advisory indicates that onshore winds and tides
will combine to generate flooding of low areas along the shore.

&&

$$

CAZ506-111400-
/O.CON.KMTR.CF.Y.0001.210111T1100Z-210111T2300Z/
North Bay Interior Valleys-
912 PM PST Sun Jan 10 2021

...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM TO 3 PM PST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Minor coastal flooding expected.

* WHERE...North Bay Interior Valleys.

* WHEN...From 3 AM to 3 PM PST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only 
  isolated road closures expected. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...With a large northwest swell occurring at 
  the same time as the high astronomical tides, larger run up 
  and coastal erosion along coastal areas is possible. 

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be
closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of
unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone
property.

&&

$$

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jan 9, 2:35 AM PSTSmall Craft AdvisoryMTR6 days
Jan 9, 2:42 PM PSTSmall Craft AdvisoryMTR48 hr

Nearby

High Surf Warnings in California, 2021Every high surf warning in 2021

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; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.