High Surf — Northern Monterey Bay, California

2021-01-10 to 2021-01-17 · Northern Monterey Bay, California

Event narrative

Large swell capsized several small boats near the Santa Cruz Harbor in the Monterey Bay Sunday afternoon. Twelve children part of a sail school needed to be rescued after sailboats were capsized. Patrols were already posted in the water and everyone was quickly rescued https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2021/01/10/massive-swells-capsize-sailboats-at-mouth-of-santa-cruz-harbor-12-children-rescued-from-turbulent-seas/.

Wider weather episode

A large long period northwest swell impacted the coastline on Sunday January 10th, prompting a High Surf Warning. Large breaking waves near 30 feet were forecast. Multiple water rescues occurred up and down the coast with two fatalities.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 932616. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.