A southerly swell is sending fierce rip currents and sneaker waves toward the Northern California coast this week, creating dangerous conditions for beachgoers.
The National Weather Service issued a beach hazards warning in effect between 8 p.m. Tuesday and 5 a.m. Thursday. Until the warning lifts, authorities urged residents to avoid jetties, piers and rocks on beaches across Sonoma, San Mateo, Marin and Santa Cruz counties.
“Beating the heat at the beach? Beach Hazards Statement out for North Bay, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz Pacific Coast beaches,” the weather service said in a statement. “Long period south swell generates increased risk for sneaker waves and rip currents.”…