Potential hazards, flooding on tap for North Bay beaches

"Breaking waves between 10 and 14 feet are expected Monday through Wednesday. The strong swell coming from the west will increase the potential for hazards such as sneaker waves - which run up beaches, rocks and jetties and can catch unsuspecting people off guard - and rip currents. Lulls of 10 to 20 minutes are expected between some of the largest sets of waves, making it even more difficult to spot danger before it rushes up the beach, according to the weather service."

"North Bay residents visiting the beaches this week should never turn their backs to the ocean and be especially aware of sneaker waves, Mehle said. "You can be standing on the beach, be dry for 10 and 20 minutes, or maybe even longer, then all of a sudden you get this very long period swell that rolls in... and if you're standing in it, you get knocked out and pulled into the ocean," he said."

Large waves and high tides will return to North Bay beaches, increasing hazards and coastal flooding along the Sonoma County coast. Breaking waves of 10 to 14 feet are expected Monday through Wednesday after weekend sets reached up to 18 feet. A strong west swell raises the potential for sneaker waves that run up beaches, rocks and jetties, and for rip currents. Lulls of 10 to 20 minutes between large sets make wave danger harder to spot. A beach hazards statement is in effect through 10 p.m. Tuesday and hazards are expected through the week. King Tides Tuesday–Saturday may cause minor flooding in low-lying coastal spots, with peak risk Tuesday–Wednesday.

Read at The Mercury News