A hurricane in the eastern Pacific is generating a swell that will reach Bay Area coastlines by this weekend, bringing strong rip currents and possible sneaker waves, forecasters said.

The National Weather Service issued a beach hazards statement for Saturday morning through Tuesday afternoon along the coast from North Bay beaches like Point Reyes National Seashore to Southern Monterey Bay and the Big Sur Coast.

The swell from Hurricane Fausto in the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean is forecast to bring dangerous conditions along the California coastline, the weather service said Thursday.

In the Bay Area, breaking waves could reach up to 10 feet along south- and southwest-facing beaches and break points. Hazardous conditions also include sneaker waves and strong rip currents.

A NOAA Beach Hazards Statement warns of sneaker waves and strong rip currents along Pacific Coast beaches from Saturday through Tuesday, advising people to stay off jetties and piers and never turn their back on the ocean.
A map showing areas covered by a Beach Hazards Statement issued by the National Weather Service on Thursday, July 23, 2026. NWS warned of an increased risk of sneaker waves and strong rip currents along Pacific Coast beaches through Tuesday, July 28, 2026, with the greatest threat on some south- and southwest-facing beaches and breakpoints. (National Weather Service via Bay City News)

Visitors to the coast should stay off jetties, piers, rocks and other waterside infrastructure. The weather service advises staying out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and to never turn your back on the ocean.