Powerful Swells Expected To Hit California Coast This Week
MONTEREY (KCBS) – A special weather alert has been issued for the Central and Northern California Coast as beach goers and boaters are being advised to keep an eye out for large ocean swells through the Labor Day weekend.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Larry Smith said that people can expect from fairly significant swells, or "sneaker waves," which are first expected to hit on Wednesday night and last through the early part of the weekend.
KCBS' Matt Bigler Reports:
"When the waves run up on the beaches, they can be pretty strong," Smith said. "We can expect some breakers that will reach about nine feet or so."
Smith said those heading to the beach for the long weekend should keep an eye out for the extra large waves, as they could knock you down or pull you out to sea, which is exactly where many surfers will be heading.
"This would probably be the first decent surf day that we've had in quite some time," said Smith.
The swells could also be dangerous for boaters according to Boatswain's Mate Brett Bonner with the United States Coast Guard. He said they should file a float plan just in case they get lost at sea.
"Give them a detailed location where they are headed to in case they don't come back in time so it gives us a search area," Bonner said.
The swells are expected to hit southerly-facing beaches like Twin Lakes Beach in Santa Cruz and Stinson Beach in Marin County.
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