US weather service issues beach hazards statements across California and Myrtle Beach
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The gist
The National Weather Service issued beach hazards statements for California and Myrtle Beach coasts.
The advisories flag dangerous swimming conditions and minor coastal flooding for beachgoers.
Background
The National Weather Service (NWS) is the U.S. weather agency, and its regional offices issue beach hazards statements when coastal conditions raise the risk of drowning or flooding. This round of statements came from NWS offices in San Francisco, San Diego and Wilmington, N.C., covering shorelines from the Bay Area and Southern California to the Myrtle Beach area. The warnings cite a mix of large breaking waves, elevated high tides and long-period swells.
How it unfolded
- Oct 15, 2026NWS San Diego issued a beach hazards statement at 1:38 a.m. for Orange County Coast and San Diego County Coastal Areas, in effect until 2 p.m.
- Oct 16, 2026NWS San Francisco issued a beach hazards statement at 9:31 a.m., valid from Saturday 3 a.m. until Sunday Oct. 18 at 9 p.m.
- Oct 17, 2026NWS San Francisco reissued its statement at 6:02 a.m., in effect until Sunday Oct. 18 at 9 p.m.
- Oct 17, 2026NWS Wilmington issued a statement at 7:38 p.m., valid for Sunday between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. for the Myrtle Beach area.
- Oct 17, 2026Malibu, Los Angeles County Beaches and Ventura County Beaches were placed under a beach hazards statement on Saturday.
- Oct 17, 2026A beach hazards statement was issued for Los Angeles County beaches from Sunday to Tuesday.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- NWS San Francisco warned of an increased risk for sneaker waves and strong rip currents with breaking waves of 7 to 12 feet.
- Official
- NWS San Diego cited elevated high tides of 6.5 to 7 feet, surf of 3 to 5 feet with sets to 6 feet, and a continuing long-period south swell, warning of minor coastal flooding, beach erosion and dangerous swimming conditions for inexperienced swimmers.