Dangerous Surf Expected Along Bay Area Beaches During Super Bowl Week

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The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Advisory for Pacific Coast beaches from 4 a.m. Friday through 9 p.m. Saturday, with breaking wave heights expected to reach 17 to 22 feet, and some exposed locations seeing occasional waves approaching 25 feet. The dangerous surf conditions coincide with an influx of visitors to the Bay Area for Super Bowl-related events.

Why it matters

Sudden, powerful sneaker waves can rush up the beach without warning, posing a serious threat to beachgoers, especially along rocky shorelines, jetties, and low-lying coastal trails. With an estimated 90,000 visitors from outside the region expected in the Bay Area for the Super Bowl, the hazardous surf conditions raise concerns about public safety.

The details

The large northwest swell is being generated by a powerful storm system well offshore in the open Pacific, sending long-period wave energy toward the California coast. West-facing beaches, including Ocean Beach in San Francisco and the coastline near Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, will see the greatest impacts. In addition to the high surf, the cold water temperatures and strong rip currents further increase the risk of accidental falls into the ocean, which could be life-threatening.

• The High Surf Advisory is in effect from 4 a.m. Friday through 9 p.m. Saturday.
• A Beach Hazards Statement is in effect from late Wednesday night through late Saturday.

What’s next

Officials are advising beachgoers to exercise caution and avoid the water during the high surf advisory, and to be aware of the increased risk of sneaker waves and strong rip currents.