California Coast Bracing for Third Day of Treacherous Waves and Life-Threatening Beach Conditions

For the third consecutive day, massive waves and coastal flooding are causing widespread destruction in many of California's coastal communities. The extreme conditions have led to water rescues, car washouts, and injuries to several fascinated onlookers.

The unusually large surf, reaching heights of over 20 feet, has resulted in the closure of beaches along the California coast. Additionally, destructive floods have inundated several beachside streets, homes, and businesses.

In Ventura County, severe flooding has resulted in waves breaching seawalls and carrying parked cars into intersections, hindering the paths of first responders, according to fire captain Brian McGrath of CNN affiliate TNLA. The flooding has also caused damage to the ground-floor rooms of a local hotel. The West coast, from southern California to Oregon, has been experiencing high water and rip currents due to powerful storms from the Pacific Ocean since Thursday.

Beachgoers watch as huge surf pounds the coast in Manhattan Beach, California on December 28, 2023.

AP Photo by Richard Vogel

While hazards will decrease for Northern Californians on Saturday, coastal areas of central and Southern California will continue to be hit by powerful surf, with waves reaching up to 25 feet in some areas.

California's Bay Area could see waves as high as 40 feet, while others may reach 28 to 33 feet. Southern Oregon's coastline is also expected to experience strong surf and high winds on Saturday, with waves between 20 and 25 feet prompting high surf warnings in the region through Saturday morning.

The spectacular surf has attracted curious onlookers and excited surfers, but local officials are warning people to avoid the water and stay away from the beaches due to extremely dangerous conditions. The National Weather Service in Los Angeles emphasized that beaches, piers, and vulnerable harbors are not safe.

Ventura County officials have announced the closure of all beaches until New Years Eve as a precaution against the 15- to 20-foot waves that are expected to hit the coast through Saturday evening. The beaches at Hermosa, Manhattan, and Palos Verdes are at the highest risk for significant coastal flooding. In light of this, McGrath emphasized the need for people to prioritize safety and avoid the area during this time.

Ventura's first responders saved approximately 10 individuals on Friday "who believed they could handle the high surf," stated the fire captain. Additionally, two beachgoers assisted in rescuing a lifeguard who was struggling to return to shore after saving a person near the pier, firefighter Andy VanSciver informed CNN.

Colin Hoag

video

A video captures the chaos as a huge wave hits a California neighborhood, causing people to panic and scramble for safety. Nearly 20 individuals were swept away by the powerful surge, resulting in eight injuries that required hospitalization. The incident occurred during a bout of severe surf on Thursday, catching onlookers off guard in Ventura Beach's Pierpont area.

Colin Hoag described the scene as "terrifying and apocalyptic" as he recorded a video of people frantically trying to escape as a massive wave broke through the barrier. The fast-moving seawater knocked some people off their feet and battered cars as drivers attempted to flee. "There was yelling and screaming. I ran as fast as I could," Hoag recalled.

The storm fueling the waves will also bring rain and wind to California through Saturday. By Saturday morning, the rain will move inland and across Southern California before weakening over the Rocky Mountains on Sunday.

In central and eastern California, a wintry mix is expected to fall further inland. High elevation crests and peaks could see over a foot of snow, while lower elevation mountain areas may receive between 6 to 12 inches. This report includes contributions from CNN's Mary Gilbert and Cindy Von Quednow.