Authorities called for caution along the San Francisco Bay Area's coastline and beyond Thursday in the wake of dangerous waves and surging waters that they warned could threaten lives and property.
The National Weather Service issued high surf warnings, citing forecasts for sneaker waves along harbors and popular vistas from Sonoma and Marin counties south along the peninsula's San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties through Monterey Bay.
The High Surf Warning is in effect through 3am Friday. Breaking waves of 28-33 ft are possible at the coast. Please use extreme caution and stay far from the water. NEVER turn your back on the ocean, stay off jetties, rocks, or piers, and do not go into the water! #CAwx #HighSurf https://t.co/9lpiu4Kxd7
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) December 28, 2023
After initially issuing a warning that predicted conditions were expected to ease around 3 p.m. Thursday, the weather service extended the caution through 3 a.m. Friday, not long before the second of two rounds of rainstorms was due to arrive across the Bay Area.
With some breaking waves expected to top 30 feet, boosted in part by seasonal tidal surges and energy accompanying this week's storm systems, residents were warned to stay away from rocks and jetties and to never turn their backs on active surf and keep children and pets away from surging shorelines.
In Marin County, the Stinson Beach Fire Department issued an evacuation order for several areas of the beach town, including Calles del Pinos, Pradero, Sierra, Onda Resaca, Ribera, Embarcadero and parts of Calle del Arroyo. The order was lifted later in the afternoon, and residents were allowed to return home but cautioned to avoid flooded areas, according to the county emergency site.
Photo Gallery
Gallery of 11 photos
Along Peninsula beaches, North County Fire Authority firefighters and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter responded around 8:30 a.m. to a wet-suited surfer initially reported to be in danger who managed to return to Pacifica's Linda Mar Beach on their own.
Further south, Caltrans shared an image of crews clearing debris in northern Santa Cruz County, but added that Highway 1 remained open to drivers.
The National Weather Service warned people to stay far from the shore, sharing a video shot by a local Santa Cruz news station showing a wave crashing over two children who were watching the surf near a guardrail.
This video is a prime example of why we urge people to stay AWAY from the water! Waves can EASILY knock people down and sweep them away.
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) December 28, 2023
Use extreme caution! These waves are breaking at 28-33' and can easily breach the tops of low cliffs or seawalls like those seen here. #CAwx https://t.co/iN2dzUfaoX