A high surf warning is in effect for the north and central Washington state coast through Thursday morning, Jan. 26, according to a National Weather Service report.

A high surf warning means that dangerously high surf will batter beaches in the warned area producing deadly rip currents and some beach erosion. Powerful, breaking waves will make it very dangerous to fish or observe waves from rocks and jetties.

Unwary walkers can easily be caught off guard as waves suddenly race much farther up the beach than normal.

A weather warning indicates a confirmed, current and present danger to this area.

Take necessary safety precautions.