Massive waves slam Bay Area coastline as officials warn to stay away

Grant Stringer, The Mercury News on Nov 14, 2026

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SAN JOSE, Calif. — Weather authorities had a stern warning for Bay Area locals as towering waves hit the coast Saturday: “Stay away from the coast.”

That was the message of the National Weather Service, San Francisco Fire Department and other authorities. The weather service had issued a high surf warning, with “life-threatening waves” more than 30 feet tall measured Saturday in Monterey and Point Reyes, and more than 20 feet at San Francisco and Half Moon Bay. Waves were even higher — towering as tall as 50 feet — at certain breaking points, including the famed surfing spot Mavericks.

In Pacifica, video showed ocean water flooding homes along the coastline and huge sprays of water and foam over a seawall. On the Peninsula, the regional fire department had offered free sandbags for residents to prepare for flooding Friday. A coastal flood warning was also in effect until 6 p.m.

Public safety agencies had not reported injuries or deaths associated with the powerful waves as of Saturday afternoon. In Mendocino County, local media reported two people were swept into the water but survived, with one taken to a local hospital.

The high surf warning is set to expire at 4 p.m. Sunday.