Beach Hazard Statement in effect for Bay Area

The National Weather Service this morning has issued a Beach Hazard Statement for the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Beach Hazard Statement is in effect from Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A long period west swell in combination with offshore wind will generate hazardous beach conditions including rip currents, sneakers waves and large breaking waves, according to the National Weather Service.

The areas impacted include Point Reyes National Seashore, the San Francisco Peninsula, Monterey Bay, the Big Sur Coast and the coastline from Sonoma County south through Monterey County.

A Beach Hazard Statement is issued when there are potentially dangerous conditions on beaches, including large shore breaks, strong rip currents and possible sneaker waves.

The conditions could be life threatening, and there is an increased likelihood of people being pulled out to sea by rip currents or washed into the sea by waves.

Beachgoers are advised keep an eye on the ocean.