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Updated:May 18, 2026 5:00 am PDT

Wind Advisory WIND ADVISORY  
Santa Cruz County

  Effective: Sun, 5/17 9:24pm Severity:  Moderate 
  Updated: May 18, 2026 5:00 am Urgency: Expected
  Expires: Mon, 5/18 11:00am Certainty: Likely

Areas Affected: North Bay Interior Mountains - Santa Cruz Mountains - Eastern Santa Clara Hills - East Bay Hills
 
Alert Details:
* WHAT...North to northeast winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50
mph expected. Local gusts up to 60 mph.

* WHERE...The Santa Cruz Mountains, North Bay Interior Mountains,
Eastern Santa Clara Hills, and East Bay Hills.

* WHEN...Until 11 AM PDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

Information:
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high
profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
Beach Hazards Statement BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT  
Santa Cruz County

  Effective: Sun, 5/17 10:16pm Severity:  Moderate 
  Updated: May 18, 2026 5:00 am Urgency: Expected
  Expires: Mon, 5/18 6:30am Certainty: Likely

Areas Affected: San Francisco - Coastal North Bay Including Point Reyes National Seashore - San Francisco Peninsula Coast - Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast
 
Alert Details:
* WHAT...Strong northerly winds will generate very rough
conditions at area beaches along with strong rip and longshore
currents.

* WHERE...Greatest impacts will be along west facing beaches of
the Pacific coastline.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM PDT Monday.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous wind and wave conditions will impact
beaches and water activities such as swimming, surfing,
boating, and tide pooling. Rough seas can sweep up the beach
and over rocks and jetties, pulling people into a cold
turbulent ocean. Rip currents will be stronger than normal and
long shore currents can move people and items in the water
quickly away from the point of entry. Local beach and cliff
erosion is possible. Water temperatures will also cool rapidly
due to strong upwelling conditions during this time. Large
tidal swings can cutoff access to beach walkers.

Information:
Stay off of jetties, piers, rocks, and other waterside
infrastructure. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf
and NEVER turn your back on the ocean. Monitor local weather,
surf and tide forecasts at www.weather.gov/mtr.