A Beach Hazards Statement was issued by the San Francisco office of the National Weather Service on Saturday morning and is in effect through Wednesday morning. The weather service warns of an “increased risk of sneaker waves and strong rip currents” at beaches spanning from Big Sur to the Point Reyes National Seashore. It’s worth taking seriously.
Winds are howling across the Bay Area on Saturday, with west winds predicted to blow 13 to 18 mph and gusts to reach as high as 28 mph in downtown San Francisco. Offshore, it’s even more intense. The weather service also issued a Gale Warning for coastal waters from Point Reyes to Point Arena, in effect from 3 p.m. on Saturday until 3 a.m. on Sunday. A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect until 3 p.m. on Saturday for the same stretch of water.
“Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility,” the weather service’s warning said. Mariners are being urged to change their plans, and seek safe harbor or secure their vessels…