* WHAT...Increased threat of sneaker waves expected.

* WHERE...Beaches in Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino counties
that are exposed to the northwest.

* WHEN...From Wednesday afternoon through Thursday evening. .

* IMPACTS...Large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach
without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks,
jetties, and beaches. These sneaker waves can also move large
objects such as logs, crushing anyone caught underneath.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...An unusually long period swell for may will
begin building Wednesday afternoon at 23 seconds and peak
Thursday around 7 feet at 16 seconds. Sneaker wave risk will be
greatest early Thursday on beaches with mostly calm winds and
exposed to the northwest.

Don't be fooled by an ocean that looks calm.  There can be
30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes.  Avoid
rocks and jetties. Avoid steep beaches.  Stay much farther back
from the water and never turn your back on the ocean.