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Updated:January 8, 2026 11:00 am PST

High Surf Advisory HIGH SURF ADVISORY  
Santa Cruz County

  Effective: Thu, 1/8 3:27am Severity: Minor
  Updated: January 8, 2026 11:00 am Urgency: Expected
  Expires: Fri, 1/9 10:00pm 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...Large breaking waves up to 22 feet, strong rip currents
and sneaker waves.

* WHERE...Pacific Coast from Sonoma County to Monterey County,
excluding Northern Monterey Bay.

* WHEN...From 1 AM Thursday to 10 PM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...There is an increased risk for sneaker waves, strong
rip currents, and beach erosion. Large breaking waves can
overpower swimmers resulting in significant physical injury and
increase the risk of drowning.

Information:
Swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf
conditions.
Cold Weather Advisory COLD WEATHER ADVISORY  
Santa Cruz County

  Effective: Wed, 1/7 11:54pm Severity:  Moderate 
  Updated: January 8, 2026 11:00 am Urgency: Expected
  Expires: Thu, 1/8 3:00pm Certainty: Likely

Areas Affected: Marin Coastal Range - North Bay Interior Valleys - East Bay Interior Valleys - Santa Cruz Mountains - Santa Clara Valley Including San Jose - East Bay Hills - Northern Salinas Valley/Hollister Valley and Carmel Valley - Northern Monterey Bay - Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast
 
Alert Details:
* WHAT...Cold conditions with temperatures in the low to mid 30s
expected.

* WHERE...The East Bay Hills and Valleys, Monterey Bay and the Big
Sur Coast, The Marin Hills, The Santa Cruz Mountains, The Santa
Clara Valley, North Bay Interior Valleys, and Northern Salinas
Valley/Hollister Valley and Carmel Valley.

* WHEN...From 1 AM to 9 AM PST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Cold conditions will be hazardous to sensitive
populations such as unhoused individuals. Prolonged exposure to the
cold conditions will lead to hypothermia for people, pets, and
livestock. Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops,
plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken.

Information:
Ensure portable heaters are working properly and are used correctly
to avoid sparking a fire indoors. Do not use generators or grills
inside as carbon monoxide poisoning can result.

Check with your local, city, or county officials for information on
available warming centers.

Be sure to dress in layers if outdoors. Make sure that pets and
livestock have adequate food, unfrozen water, and warmth. Cover or
tend to sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation.
Beach Hazards Statement BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT  
Santa Cruz County

  Effective: Thu, 1/8 3:27am Severity:  Moderate 
  Updated: January 8, 2026 11:00 am Urgency: Expected
  Expires: Fri, 1/9 10:00pm Certainty: Likely

Areas Affected: Northern Monterey Bay
 
Alert Details:
* WHAT...Hazardous beach conditions expected with strong rip
currents, sneaker waves, and breaking waves up to 15 feet.

* WHERE...Northern Monterey Bay.

* WHEN...From 1 AM PST Thursday through Friday evening.

* IMPACTS...Dangerous conditions are forecast along the shoreline.
Hazards include sneaker waves, strong rip currents, and large
breaking waves.

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.