Quick Take
A beach hazards statement will be in effect from Saturday morning through Tuesday afternoon for beaches along the Pacific Coast, including Santa Cruz County, warning that Hurricane Fausto could generate dangerous ocean conditions that could sweep people off their feet and pull them into the water.
The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement for beaches along the Pacific Coast, taking effect Saturday morning and running through Tuesday afternoon. It warns of a long-period swell that will bring an increased risk of sneaker waves and strong rip currents, both of which can sweep people off of their feet and pull them into deep, cold water.
The swell is being generated by Hurricane Fausto in the tropical Eastern Pacific, and as it headed toward Hawaii on Friday morning, it strengthened into a Category 2 storm. Although its gradual weakening is expected over the next few days, breaking waves along the Pacific Coast are expected to reach 10 feet along some south- and southwest-facing beaches and break points.
There were recent high-surf events here locally, one of which resulted in two women dying after a sneaker wave pulled from a keyhole at Panther State Beach, between Santa Cruz and Davenport, dragging them out to sea.
Sneaker waves are potentially dangerous waves that surge farther up the beach than expected, overtaking people who are not paying attention. Since there can be 10 to 20 minutes of small waves right before a sneaker wave strikes, the National Weather Service advises people to expect and listen carefully for changes in the incoming waves.
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