Bay Area beaches face dangerous surf this week as light rain returns

Bay Area beachgoers are being warned to watch out for dangerous waves and strong ocean currents this week, with hazardous beach conditions expected through Tuesday evening and again Thursday through the weekend. In an advisory issued around 1:40 a.m. Monday, the National Weather Service said that long-period ocean swells will increase the risk of sneaker waves and strong rip currents along the Pacific Coast. The waves can sweep across the shoreline without warning, pulling people into the ocean from beaches, jetties and rocks, forecasters said. The first period of hazardous beach conditions is expected to last through Tuesday evening. Another round is forecast from Thursday through Sunday. Waves could reach 13 to 17 feet Thursday through Sunday, according to the weather service. The forecast calls for a 15- to 17-second westerly or northwesterly swell, increasing the risk of dangerous surf. Beachgoers are urged to stay out of the water, avoid jetties, piers and rocks, and n