The National Weather Service is warning beach-goers about the increased possibility of sneaker waves and dangerous rip currents across the Bay Area beginning Wednesday afternoon.
The agency issued a Beach Hazards Statement starting Wednesday at 2 p.m. and lasting until Thursday at 7 p.m. for Ocean Beach, Montara State Beach, Marina State Beach and Monastery Beach.
Sneaker waves are "potentially deadly waves that suddenly surge much farther up the beach than expected, overtaking the unaware," the agency said. These "moderate to large breaking waves" can both sweep beach-goers into the ocean or knock them over by rolling logs and heavy debris into them. Both results can cause cold water immersion, which could be deadly.
The National Weather Service advised people visiting the beach on Wednesday and Thursday to be aware of the forecast, keep an eye on children and pets, never turn their back on the ocean and watch the waves from higher ground for at least 20 minutes before moving closer to the water.
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