SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Friday’s storm will bring hazardous weather conditions along the Bay Area’s coast.
U.S. Coast Guard officials are warning beachgoers and boaters of the conditions and urging them to use extra caution.
A Coastal Flood Advisory and High Surf Advisory has been issued for Friday from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Increasing southerly winds will blow in late Thursday night, followed on Friday morning by northwest swells as large as 14 to 16 feet, Coast Guard officials said.
WEATHER:San Francisco Bay Area Forecast
“Boaters and beachgoers should be especially cautious on and near the water over the next several days,” Danielle Couture, a search and rescue specialist at the Coast Guard Sector San Francisco Command Center, said in a statement.
“We’re ready to respond if boaters and beachgoers find themselves in distress,” Couture said.
Even larger swells are anticipated for Sunday, Coast Guard officials said.
Strong rip currents and large shore breaks are expected to affect all west- and northwest-facing beaches from Sonoma County to Monterey County.
Rip currents can exhaust swimmers and are usually more frequent and stronger near piers, inlets and jetties, Coast Guard officials said.
Large shore breaks can result in injury, and large wave run-ups can unexpectedly pull people into cold, turbulent waters.
Coast Guard officials recommend that all boaters and beachgoers stay informed about weather conditions, keep a working VHF-FM radio when on the water, wear a lifejacket, file a float plan with friends, family or local marinas, and educate children about water safety.
Divers should evaluate their physical condition as well as that of their equipment, never dive alone and cancel their diving plans if surf conditions are unsafe.
Boaters should not consume alcohol or drugs, and dog owners should protect their pets from rough waves, but not to attempt to rescue their dogs from a surf zone.Bay City News contributed to this report