The following is an excerpt from a recent National Weather Service alert:
Hurricane Fabio in the eastern north Pacific will generate a moderate-height, long-period southerly swell over the coming days. This "swell train" will move into the coastal waters of the Monterey and San Francisco bay areas early Thursday. The largest waves are forecast to arrive late Thursday into early Friday.
A Beach Hazards Statement has been issued for the entire coast from Monterey to Sonoma County. It will be in effect from late Wednesday through Saturday afternoon. South-facing coastal sections of Marin and Santa Cruz counties are expected to be heavily impacted. Among the most dangerous areas: Stinson Beach in Marin County, and Santa Cruz Main Beach and Twin Lakes Beach in Santa Cruz County.
WAVES AND SURF: Expect a southerly swell or 4 to 7 feet with a period of 16 to 18 seconds.
HAZARDS: Expect Increased risk of rip currents and sneaker waves, stronger currents along west-facing beaches, and somewhat larger breaking waves at south-facing coasts.
TIMING: "Forerunning" waves will arrive late Wednesday through early Thursday. Larger waves will arrive later Thursday into Friday. Waves will diminish through the day Saturday.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Increased risk of drowning or being pulled out to sea.
Remember to never turn your back on the ocean. Have a safe and happy holiday!
