MENDOCINO CO., 1/14/26 – The National Weather Service is warning of sneaker waves along the Mendocino Coast for Wednesday.
The weather service is urging people to avoid steep beaches, rocks and jetties while a beach hazard advisory is in effect Monday night through Tuesday evening.
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.
That’s a serious warning. The term “sneaker wave” really emphasizes how deceptive and sudden the danger can be, especially on rocky areas like jetties. It makes you wonder how much signage can truly prepare visitors who might underestimate the Pacific’s power. Stay safe out there, everyone!