A National Weather Service Eureka graphic warns of a high sneaker-wave threat from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning. The left side explains that sneaker waves are dangerous surges that can sweep beachgoers into the ocean, roll logs and debris, and cause deadly cold-water immersion. Three photos on the right show waves rapidly advancing up the beach; one is blurry because the photographer ran from the wave. Another photo marks the photographer’s previous location about 80–100 feet from where the water ultimately reached. A yellow box at the bottom reads, “Never turn your back on the ocean!”
A National Weather Service infographic warning of sneaker waves along the Mendocino Coast on Monday, Dec. 1 and Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. (NWS via Bay City News)

MENDOCINO CO., 11/30/25 – The National Weather Service is warning of sneaker waves along the Mendocino Coast starting Monday morning. 

The weather service is urging people to avoid steep beaches, rocks and jetties. The advisory is in effect from 8 a.m. Monday until 8 a.m. Tuesday. 

According to the weather service, “large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches.” 

The weather service said large objects such as logs can be moved by the waves, potentially crushing people and pets caught underneath. 

“Don’t be fooled by an ocean that looks calm,” the weather service said. “There can be 30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes … stay much farther back from the water and never turn your back on the ocean.” 

Mendocino County’s many microclimates mean diverse weather conditions from one area to the next. To learn more about weather and warnings in your area, visit weather.gov

Sarah Stierch covers breaking news and more for The Mendocino Voice. Reach her at sarah@mendovoice.com.

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1 Comment

  1. Man…..I must be super baked bcuz I read that title as “New South Wales warns of sneaker [as in, running shoes] wave danger to wash ashore Mendo Coast”.
    Good nite lol.

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