The National Weather Service has issued a high surf warning for the Bay Area coastline, forecasting breaking waves of 25 to 30 feet. The warning takes effect at 6 p.m. Friday and remains in place until 4 a.m. Sunday.

In a social media advisory, the weather service warned that conditions will be exceptionally hazardous. "We can't stress enough how dangerous ocean/beach conditions will be this weekend," the agency said. "Any wrong move or stumble could turn deadly. No selfie is worth your life. If you need to be rescued, you're also putting first responders at risk. Know the conditions before you go."

Officials are asking the public to stay out of the ocean and to keep away from beaches, jetties, piers, and rocks for the duration of the warning. The oversized surf is expected to produce powerful rip currents and sudden wave surges that can sweep people off their feet even from seemingly safe vantage points.

The warning comes as the region enters a stretch of heightened coastal risk. Large swells generated by distant storms can travel thousands of miles before hitting the California coast, producing waves that are both unusually tall and unusually forceful. Local emergency responders say rescues in such conditions are dangerous for both victims and the crews attempting to reach them.

Residents are advised to check updated forecasts before heading toward the coast and to heed all posted warnings and closures. Those who want to watch the surf are encouraged to do so from a safe distance well away from the water's edge.

The warning is scheduled to expire early Sunday morning, but officials caution that hazardous conditions can linger even after a warning is lifted.