Large Surf to Slam Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Mateo Counties During the Holiday Week
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Newsroom@parks.ca.gov
MONTEREY/SANTA CRUZ/SAN MATEO – A series of large westerly swells will begin to arrive this weekend on the Central Coast and continue into early next week. The first of the two swells will build through the day on Saturday into Sunday. West-facing beaches can expect surf in the 10’-20’ size range, with more exposed coastline seeing surf that may double that size at times. The second and larger swell will build through the day on Monday, December 23, with waves reaching 15’-20’ for many portions of the coastline, with much larger breaking waves at west-facing beaches. These swell events will create dangerous rip currents, large set waves, and tidal surges coinciding with the Holiday Season.
Some California State Beaches in both Monterey County and Santa Cruz County may be subject to temporary closure during these large swell events to ensure public safety. Please remember the following guidelines when near the ocean during large surf:
• Never turn your back on the ocean
• Stay off of rocks and low-lying areas
• Be aware of sneaker waves.
• Do not walk in areas with wet sand
• Know your limits when entering and exiting the water to surf.
• During large swell events, please watch from a distance.
For more safety tips, please visit parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.
Image: High Surf Advisory Issued by National Weather Service Bay Area Saturday-Sunday
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