High Surf Advisory in Effect for San Mateo County Coast Starting Tonight

A forecast for large swells along the San Mateo County and Central California Coast triggered the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue a high surf advisory early this morning.

The advisory, which warns of hazardous conditions and a "dangerous near shore environment," is scheduled to be in effect from 6 p.m. tonight until 12 noon on Friday, with the largest swells hitting overnight and early Friday morning.

The swells are projected to be between 13 - 16 ft. with a period of 16 seconds between wave peaks, according to the NWS.

Sneaker waves — large waves that can suddenly appear without notice — could also appear, according to the advisory. Steeper and northwest-facing beaches could also experience large breaking waves.

Area beaches should experience rip currents along with localized beach erosion, the agency said.