Coastal areas of Northern California should brace for some rain and dangerous ocean conditions this weekend, the National Weather Service said Thursday.
Dangerously large breaking waves will arise from Friday night into early Sunday. Some waves could reach 50 feet at sites like Mavericks near Half Moon Bay and could be between 25 and 30 feet elsewhere along the Northern California coast, according to the weather service.
These waves can easily overpower swimmers or pull people into the ocean from the beach, jetties, and rocks.
From Thursday through Friday at 6 p.m., there is a danger of sneaker waves and rip currents, with waves reaching up to 20 feet along the coast. People are warned to stay out of the water and never turn their back on the ocean.
A coastal flood advisory is also out through Friday, when there could be up to 1.5 feet of water inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. Particularly affected could be along the San Pablo and San Francisco bays, as well as southern Monterey Bay. If traveling, allow extra time in case roads need to be closed.
Along with massive breaking waves along the coast and flooding in low-lying areas, forecasters say a powerful storm could also bring hazardous winds to the Bay Area and Central Coast on Friday.
The National Weather Service is forecasting gusts of up to 40 mph, with isolated gusts to 50 mph in some locations as a cold front passes through the region.
Motorists are warned to use extra caution when driving and to stay clear of downed power lines.
Light rain and gusty winds are also forecast for the Bay Area and Central Coast beginning Friday through next week, the weather service said. Up to 1 inch of rainfall could drop, making some roads slick.