San Francisco is no stranger to powerful winter storms, but especially dangerous surf is expected this week. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a High Surf Warning for dangerously large breaking waves up to 30 feet tall.
The surf warning is in effect this week from Thursday morning until early Friday morning. A surf advisory extends along the entire Central California Coast, with surf warnings along much of that area, including San Francisco and Point Reyes National Seashore.
The NWS cautions that some of these monster waves can sweep people off jetties and docks and into dangerous seas. In the posted surf warning they strongly advise everyone to stay out of the water due to life-threatening surf conditions. A coastal flood advisory is also in effect, which adds to high surf conditions to create similar flooding conditions to what we experience during a King Tide event.
In response to existing flood damage, the National Park Service has closed multiple park sites, including several popular beaches, historic sites, and coastal areas. The following SF and Marin County sites will be closed on Wednesday, Jan 4th and Thursday, January 5th:
- Fort Point National Historic Site
- Muir Woods National Monument
- Muir Beach
- Stinson Beach
- Point Bonita Lighthouse
- Nike Missile Site
- Presidio Visitor Center
- Land’s End Lookout Visitor Center
- Golden Gate Visitor Center
- Warming Hut
It’s a lot of fun to head out to the coast to watch the monster waves roll in, we get it. Just be cautious, keep your distance from the water, and as Duke Kahanamoku famously put it, “Never turn your back on the ocean.”
Featured image: Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash