A Hazardous Seas Warning and Small Craft Advisory is currently in effect from Tuesday afternoon until Saturday, December 2nd.
A long period northwest swell will rapidly build along the Oregon and northern California coast Tuesday morning until late Wednesday night. Waves will be peaking from 16 to 19 feet at 18 seconds through Wednesday. Seas are expected to diminish late Wednesday night, however, waves will remain steep at 11 to 13 feet through late Friday night.
A Hazardous Seas Warning means very steep and hazardous sea conditions are imminent or occurring. Recreational boaters should remain in port, or take shelter until waves subside. Commercial vessels should prepare for rough seas and consider remaining in port or taking shelter in port until hazardous seas subside.
A small craft advisory for hazardous seas means that waves will be steep enough to create a potential hazard to smaller vessels and inexperienced mariners.
Experts warn these large breaking waves will move much higher up the beach and will likely break over jetties much closer to the shore than normal.
The waves could also lift any logs on the shore. They ask the public to stay off logs and watch for sneaker waves to avoid possible injuries or death.
A high surf advisory can also produce rip currents and localized beach erosion.