As a potent system lashes Northern California, San Francisco, and surrounding areas are bracing for a barrage of weather-related impacts, including high surf, coastal flooding, gale-force winds, and thunderstorms. According to the National Weather Service Bay Area, the High Surf Advisory remains in effect through 6 PM PST Friday, warning of large breaking waves up to 19 feet, likely leading to dangerous swimming conditions and beach erosion.
High Surf Advisory is in effect through 6 PM PST today. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/atJ4xDToBj
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) December 29, 2023
As the turbulent weather continues, mariners have been cautioned to remain vigilant. The National Weather Service has extended a Gale Warning for several coastal zones until later this evening: "Strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels and reduce visibility." These advisories come alongside a Wind Advisory, forewarning of south winds up to 45 mph—which could down tree limbs and cause power outages.
In response to the harsh coastal conditions, a Coastal Flood Advisory is also in effect until 2 PM PST today due to expected seawater inundation from high tide and large waves, as detailed in the Area Forecast Discussion by the National Weather Service. The advisory covers the North Bay down to the Big Sur Coast and includes minor coastal flooding warnings.
The tempestuous weather isn't confined to the coastline either. The forecast for San Francisco today includes periods of rain with the possibility of a thunderstorm and new rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch possible, per the detailed forecast. The same forecast indicates "Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 10am, then rain likely," on Saturday with a 90 percent chance of precipitation.
The NWS advises to "Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property" and caution against swimming or venturing near the surf zone during these hazardous conditions.
