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Northern California coast braces for waves up to 40 feet as high surf warnings begin
Northern California high surf warnings forecast waves up to 40 feet along Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino coasts November 13th through 15th.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA - A weekend trip to the Northern California coast comes with a serious warning: the ocean could reach well beyond the places visitors expect to stay dry.
The National Weather Service in Eureka is forecasting breaking waves of 30 to 40 feet along the Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino coasts. Its November 13th morning update puts the upper end above the earlier 35 foot forecast.
High surf warning times for the North Coast
For coastal Del Norte and northern coastal Humboldt counties, the warning runs from 1 p.m. Friday, November 13th, until 4 a.m. Sunday, November 15th.
For southwestern Humboldt and coastal Mendocino counties, it begins at 4 p.m. Friday, November 13th, and ends at 4 a.m. Sunday, November 15th. All times are Pacific Standard Time.
Forecasters warn of potentially deadly surf, substantial beach erosion and waves washing over rocks and jetties. People can be swept from docks and other exposed locations into cold, turbulent water.
Sneaker waves can follow deceptively quiet water
The National Weather Service explains that sneaker waves can surge much farther up a beach than expected. A stretch of smaller waves does not guarantee safety. Heavy, waterlogged driftwood can also move suddenly when a wave lifts or rolls it, potentially knocking someone down or trapping them.
Stay away from the shoreline and exposed rocks, jetties and piers. Keep out of the water during the warning. Never turn your back on the ocean, and check local surf and tide forecasts before visiting the coast.
Another large swell could follow
Any easing late Saturday into Sunday may be short lived. NWS Eureka forecasts another large swell late Sunday into Monday, November 16th.
For North State residents planning a coastal getaway, check the latest Northern California coastal weather warnings before leaving. An impressive ocean view is best enjoyed from a safe location well away from the surf.