# Bay Area braces for 16-foot waves

> Bay Area faces 16-foot waves as Mavericks contest approaches.
- Title: Bay Area braces for 16-foot waves · The San Francisco Standard
- Summary: Bay Area faces 16-foot waves as Mavericks contest approaches. Bay Area beaches warn of 12-16 foot waves and coastal flooding ahead of Mavericks contest.
- Keywords: bay area, mavericks contest, coastal flooding, highway 1, el niño, surfers, rip currents, sneaker waves, The San Francisco Standard
- Source: The San Francisco Standard — https://sfstandard.com/2026/11/06/san-francisco-beach-hazard-dangerous-waves
- Published: 2026-11-06T23:25:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: bay area, mavericks contest, coastal flooding, highway 1, el niño, surfers, rip currents, sneaker waves, news, local
## Bay Area beaches on alert
Forecasters warn of 12- to 16-foot breakers and coastal flooding ahead of Mavericks contest.
## El Niño raises sea levels
El Niño lifted sea levels about a foot, increasing coastal flood risks.
## National Weather Service warnings
NWS issues beach hazard statement until Monday and coastal flood advisory until Nov 13.
## Highway 1 at risk
Waves could close Highway 1 near Half Moon Bay as erosion exposes road.
## Oceanographer's warning
Sean Vitousek expects larger waves this weekend followed by another round Nov 13.
## Beach safety advice
Stay off jetties, piers, rocks and never turn your back on the ocean.
## Key takeaway

Bay Area beaches warn of 12-16 foot waves and coastal flooding ahead of Mavericks contest.