Officials warn of hazardous beach conditions

The Central Coast’s beaches can be beautiful and dangerous at the same time. Officials say that’s something visitors should keep in mind during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

On Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazards Statement, advising beach goers of 11-13 foot swells and the risk of sneaker waves through 9 p.m. Thursday.

“You combine the nice weather, you combine the holidays and then you combine the hazardous sea conditions, we’ll definitely skew our criteria a little bit to issue a beach hazards statement,” said Warning Coordination Meteorologist Brian Garcia with the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say they hope the message will reach holiday travelers who are often unfamiliar with the danger posed by Central Coast waves. Rescuers agree, saying they get more calls on tourist-heavy holiday periods.

“We’re cognizant of the increased risk when you have people who aren’t familiar with the ocean and it’s hazards,” said Chief Gaudenz Panholzer with Monterey Fire.

That’s why the National Weather Services factors in the societal impact as well as the physical impacts when issuing watches or warnings.