Beach Hazards Statement runs through Monday as coastal flood advisory stretches to Tuesday
The National Weather Service warns of 16-foot surf, sneaker waves and up to 1.4 feet of coastal flooding along Monterey Bay and the Big Sur Coast.
A Beach Hazards Statement is in effect through Monday evening and a Coastal Flood Advisory runs until 3 p.m. Tuesday for Northern Monterey Bay, Southern Monterey Bay and the Big Sur Coast, according to the National Weather Service office in San Francisco. The alerts were updated Saturday afternoon and remain live across the region.
Forecasters expect an increased risk of rip currents and sneaker waves with breaking waves up to 16 feet, and up to 1.4 feet of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways during high tides, the Weather Service said.
At the San Francisco tidal gauge, high tide is expected to reach 1.4 feet above normal at 12:18 p.m. Sunday, 1.2 feet above normal at 12:46 p.m. Monday and 1.1 feet above normal at 1:14 p.m. Tuesday, with up to 1.2 feet of surge enhancing the astronomical tide and the flooding threat, according to the advisory. High tide times vary up to 90 minutes earlier or later along the Pacific Coast.
The Weather Service expects flooding of lots, parks and roads, with only isolated road closures anticipated. High tides will flood coastal trails, cut off access to some low-lying beaches and coastal areas, and bring water and waves farther up the beach than typical.
"Stay off of jetties, piers, rocks, and other waterside infrastructure. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and NEVER turn your back on the ocean," the advisory instructs. Motorists should allow extra travel time, never drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth, and take steps to protect flood-prone property.
The Californian flagged the same pair of alerts in its Columbus Day weekend travel guide for Big Sur on Oct. 9, noting coastal flooding up to 1.4 feet in low-lying shoreline areas during high tides and dangerous surf conditions through the weekend.
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