Beach Hazards & Coastal Flood Advisory for Bay Area Coast, Avoid Beaches

Coastal residents and visitors in San Francisco, Northern Monterey Bay, and Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast counties are advised to avoid beaches and coastal waterways due to a Beach Hazards Statement and Coastal Flood Advisory issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) San Francisco CA. These alerts are effective immediately.

The Beach Hazards Statement is in effect from Saturday morning, October 10, through Monday evening, October 12, warning of an increased risk of rip currents and sneaker waves with breaking waves up to 16 feet. The Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect until 3 PM PDT on Tuesday, October 13, with up to 1.4 feet of inundation possible above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines.

Impacts include potential flooding of lots, parks, and roads, with isolated road closures expected. High tides will lead to flooding along coastal trails, cut off access to some low-lying beaches, and bring water and waves farther up the beach. Dangerous conditions are forecast along the shoreline, including sneaker waves, strong rip currents, and large breaking waves.

Specifically, at the San Francisco tidal gauge, high tide is expected to be 1.4 feet above normal (7.3 ft MLLW) at 11:50 AM Saturday, October 10, and 12:18 PM Sunday, October 11. It will be 1.2 feet above normal (7.1 ft MLLW) at 12:46 PM Monday, October 12, and 1.1 feet above normal (7.0 ft MLLW) at 1:14 PM Tuesday, October 13. These predictions include up to 1.2 feet of surge.

If travel is necessary, allow extra time for potential road closures. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take actions to protect flood-prone property. The NWS advises staying off jetties, piers, rocks, and other waterside infrastructure. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and NEVER turn your back on the ocean. Monitor local weather, surf, and tide forecasts at www.weather.gov/mtr.