Bay Area Beaches Face Flooding and Dangerous Surf This Weekend

Bay Area beaches are facing hazardous ocean conditions as the National Weather Service warns of large waves, flooding risks and dangerous currents across the San Francisco Peninsula coast and coastal North Bay. The advisory period begins Saturday morning and continues through Monday afternoon.

The National Weather Service issued a beach hazards statement for waves reaching up to 16 feet, sneaker waves and strong rip currents. A coastal flood advisory also covers San Francisco, Monterey Bay and nearby bayshore areas through Tuesday afternoon.

According to the National Weather Service, water could rise up to 1.2 feet over low-lying shoreline areas, affecting some parks, parking lots, roads and coastal trails. The agency said high tides in San Francisco are expected to reach about 1.2 feet above normal from Saturday through Monday.

"Never turn your back on the ocean," warned National Weather Service.

The weather agency said elevated water levels may make some coastal locations inaccessible and could lead to isolated road closures. It also warned that sneaker waves can reach farther than expected, while rip currents can quickly pull swimmers away from shore.

Stronger northwest winds are expected near San Francisco Bay on Saturday, with gusts reaching about 30 mph around the Golden Gate, according to the National Weather Service. Rougher outer coastal waters may also affect marine conditions.

The National Weather Service said the hazardous surf is linked to a broader pattern of elevated coastal conditions associated with a strong El Niño developing along the West Coast. The effects are expected to continue into winter.

Offshore, Tropical Storm Rachel was also part of the weekend forecast. The National Hurricane Center said the storm had maximum sustained winds of 70 mph and was about 915 miles west of the southern tip of Baja California on Thursday afternoon.

The National Weather Service said Rachel was expected to weaken while moving toward Southern California, with remnants potentially contributing to larger surf farther south. Marine forecasts called for seas of up to 10 to 16 feet in parts of Southern California waters Sunday.