The National Weather Service is warning that conditions are suitable for sneaker waves, which can injure or kill beachgoers near the surf.

The weather service warned people to be especially cautious near the water and to stay off rocks and logs, which can be dislodged by high surf and roll over people who are on them. On March 23, a woman was seriously injured when a sneaker wave overturned the log she was sitting on.

“The primary factor that we assess in determining sneaker wave potential is the expected wave height of long period waves (waves with a longer time period between them than normal),” the weather service wrote on Twitter. “In essence, these are more energetic waves.”

Forecasts call for mild temperatures and light winds on the Oregon coast Sunday, with rain likely much of the week. The weather service said it’s not discouraging people from going to the beach; it wants visitors to be especially aware of waves and “to keep a close eye on the kids.”

Sneaker waves have killed at least 22 people on the Oregon coast since 1990. All the major incidents occurred from October through April, with the most incidents in November and March.

-- Mike Rogoway | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699