NWS issues hazard warning as sneaker waves return to the Bay Area

The risk of sneaker waves has returned to the Bay Area, and the National Weather Service is warning people to keep their eyes on the water.

On Sunday, the NWS said the risk would be highest from Monday afternoon through Monday night.

The weather service issued a Beach Hazards Statement for much of the coast, including Point Reyes National Seashore, San Francisco, the Peninsula, and Monterey Bay.

Northwest-facing beaches are most at risk.

The National Weather Service is advising the public to avoid steep beaches, stay farther back from the water and not to stand on rocks and jetties.

Just last week, a grandfather and granddaughter were swept out to sea by a sneaker wave. The girl was pulled from the water and taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The U.S. Coast Guard searched for the grandfather but did not locate him and called the search off after nearly 24 hours.

According to the weather service, a sneaker wave could strike even on a beach that has had 30 minutes of small waves. Waves are powerful enough to knock over people, move heavy logs and carry other debris.