Giant waves pummel Sonoma Coast

Large waves combined with extreme high tides have prompted the National Weather Service to issue a high surf advisory for the North Bay through Wednesday morning.|
MATT PERA AND KATHLEEN COATES
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

A large winter swell that brought giant waves to the Sonoma Coast tapered off Tuesday, but another sizable swell is expected to arrive by the end of the week, forecasters said.

The conditions prompted the National Weather Service to issue a high surf advisory Tuesday afternoon until 6 a.m. Wednesday.

The northwest swell was as high as 14 feet Tuesday evening with breaking waves up to 16-22 feet. It was expected to drop to 8 to 10 feet after 6 a.m. Wednesday, said weather service meteorologist Rick Canepa.

Southwest winds between 6 and 12 mph were expected along the coast Wednesday, according to the weather service.

Coastal winds and waves are set to ratchet up again on Friday, forecasters said.

Another low-pressure system is expected to move into the Bay Area, bringing a chance of rain starting Thursday night, Canepa said.

You can reach Staff Writer Matt Pera at matthew.pera@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @Matt__Pera. You can reach Staff Writer Kathleen Coates at kathleen.coates@pressdemocrat.com or 707-521-5209.

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