Bay Area coastline braces for possible 30-foot waves
SAN FRANCISCO - Dangerous waves are threatening the Bay Area coastline.
The National Weather Service forecasts waves reaching 20 to 30 feet high, comparable to the height of a three-story building, through Sunday.
As a result, a high surf warning is in effect, just days after dangerous surf caused the collapse of the Santa Cruz Wharf.
"That’s horrifying," said Madison Escobar, while out with her dad, walking their dog on the beach in Pacifica.
"They look pretty rough," said Luis Escobar. "I’ve seen them pretty bad before, and it’s good to just kind of stay away."
Dozens of surfers off Pacifica State Beach took advantage before the bigger waves rolled in.
"Pretty gnarly," said Xavier Ormazabal, who has been surfing for 10 years. "I’ve been out in worse. It’s like smashing into a wall. You feel the water. You feel the force. You’re fighting the ocean. You’re duck diving. It’s a lot of effort."
Experts warn dangerous waves can strike without warning.
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Roman Romero grew up in Pacifica and takes in the views at Pacifica Pier every week, respecting the ocean and its overreaching waves.
"They explode over the railing here, and it’s quite amazing, said Romero. "You don’t want to play on the beach, that’s for sure, because people will, you know, get swept away every year."
While the larger waves may be further off the coast, the churning can quickly hit rocks and beaches, pulling people out to sea.
First responders warn: never turn your back on the ocean.
"Once you get in it’s a sudden shock and chill to your body," said Lt. Mariano Elias of the San Francisco Fire Department, who has experience with water rescues.
Experts said the result can be dramatic; increases in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, accelerating the risk of drowning.
"People have died at this beach because of rip currents and people’s unfamiliarity with the water and what it does," said Elias.
The spectacle draws in curious beachgoers, admiring the view from a safe distance.
"Mother Nature’s, you know, she’s trippy," said Sam Grimaldo of San Jose, who made a trip to the beach to soak in the view.
"I feel the power of nature," said Mohammad Khostovan of South San Francisco. "And when I feel that, I feel humble because I’m looking at something so powerful, so dangerous, but so beautiful at the same time."
Pacifica Pier was closed on Thursday due to the dangerous surf.