Copyright Newsweek
Thousands of Americans have been told to stay out of the water amid concerns over highly dangerous current conditions. On Monday, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued beach hazard statements and coastal flood advisories for shorelines in Oregon, Washington, California, North Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Why It Matters The warnings mean there is a high risk of large waves, rough surf, rip currents and hazardous swimming conditions. The NWS said: "A beach hazards statement is issued when sneaker waves create potentially life-threatening conditions in the surf zone. Caution should be used when in or near the water. Always keep an eye on the waves, and be especially watchful of children and pets." The agency added: "Don't be fooled by an ocean that looks calm. There can be 30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes. Avoid rocks and jetties. Avoid steep beaches. Stay much farther back from the water and never turn your back on the ocean." What To Know A beach hazard statement is in effect from late Monday until Wednesday afternoon for northern and central shorelines in Oregon and southwestern Washington. "Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions," the NWS said. "Waves can run up significantly farther on a beach than normal, including over rocks and jetties. Sneaker waves can suddenly knock people off of their feet and quickly pull them into the frigid ocean which may lead to serious injury or drowning." In California, a beach hazards statement is in effect through Monday evening for San Francisco, North Bay, Monterey Bay and the Big Sur. The NWS said that a "long period northwesterly swell will result in an increased risk for sneaker waves and rip currents." Another swell is expected to arrive Tuesday into Wednesday. Elsewhere in California, Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino counties will also face an increased threat of sneaker waves and surf up to 22 feet high until around 10 a.m. on Monday. In North Carolina, a beach hazards statement is in force until Monday evening due to the threat of dangerous rip currents. A coastal flood advisory is also in effect in the state until 11 a.m. around the Cape Fear River, with up to half a foot of flooding expected in low-lying areas. A coastal flood advisory is also in effect in Maryland until 8 a.m., with up to one foot of inundation expected in Anne Arundel County. In New Jersey and Delaware, an advisory is in effect until 2 p.m. Monday, with up to 1 foot of flooding expected in parts. Meanwhile, in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, half a foot of inundation is expected around southern shorelines, including Newport and Providence. What People Are Saying The NWS forecast office in Eureka, California, said: "Large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, jetties, and beaches. These sneaker waves can also move large objects such as logs, crushing anyone caught underneath." The NWS forecast office in Newport and Morehead City, North Carolina, said: "If caught in a rip current, remain calm. Swim in a direction following the shoreline. If tired, float or tread water until out of the rip current. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help." The NWS forecast office in Medford, Oregon, said: "Large breaking waves will create hazardous conditions along and within the surf zone, and could inundate beaches and low lying shorelines. Beach erosion is possible, and exposed infrastructure may be damaged." The NWS forecast office in Wilmington, North Carolina, said: "If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property." The NWS forecast office in Mount Holly, New Jersey, said: "Do not leave your vehicle at a location that is prone to tidal flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flood waters. The water may be deeper than you think it is. You will be putting yourself in danger and your vehicle may be damaged, leading to costly repairs." What Happens Next Most of the beach hazards statements are set to remain in effect throughout Monday. The NWS issues regular forecast updates regarding marine conditions on its website throughout the day.
