The National Weather Service has issued a high surf warning for parts of California’s North Coast, where breaking waves could reach 35 feet Friday and Saturday. The warning starts at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, for coastal Del Norte and northern coastal Humboldt County. It starts at 4 p.m. Friday for southwestern Humboldt and coastal Mendocino County. Both parts of the warning run until 4 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 15. All times are Pacific.
Beaches, jetties and harbor entrances
The Eureka weather office expects breakers of 30 to 35 feet in the warning area. Waves can run far up the beach, wash over rocks and jetties, and sweep people off docks. Forecasters also expect significant beach erosion. If you are heading to the coast, keep clear of jetties and low rocks and watch from well back from the water.
At Trinidad State Beach, the bluffs above College Cove overlook the same stretch of coast that falls under the earlier start time. Check park alerts before making the trip. The Weather Service urges boaters who need to cross a harbor bar to use extreme caution or stay in port until conditions improve. Check with the Coast Guard for any harbor or bar closures.
In coastal Mendocino County, a separate wind advisory runs from 4 to 11 a.m. Friday, before the surf warning starts there. Gusts could reach 50 mph, especially on exposed headlands. Check Caltrans QuickMap for road conditions before leaving.
Forecasters expect another large swell late Sunday into Monday after a brief improvement. Travelers heading north should also check the separate warning for southern Oregon beaches, which starts earlier on Friday.
