Destructive West Coast Waves: Injuries and Beach Flooding Caused by Massive California Swells
Powerful offshore storm unleashes massive waves, flooding coastal areas and posing dangers to beachgoers Urgent warnings issued as communities face treacherous conditions Mavericks becomes a magnet for adventurous surfers
An intense storm off the coast is causing massive waves to hit the California shoreline, leading to flooding and alerts of hazardous and destructive swells. After a wave injured several individuals at Ventura beach on Thursday, the situation became even more concerning. The wave broke through a barrier at the beach, sending a rush of water towards a group of spectators who tried to flee from the onslaught, as seen in a video captured by a witness. The seawater swiftly knocked some people down and struck vehicles as drivers attempted to escape.
The incident led to nearly 20 people being swept away briefly and eight individuals were transported to the hospital, according to Ventura officials. The National Weather Service warned that high water and hazardous rip currents will continue to affect California's beaches through the weekend, with coastal flood and high-surf alerts in place from the US-Mexico border to southern Oregon.
Waves as high as telephone poles - about 40 feet - could slam into San Francisco through Friday morning. Fifteen to 20-foot waves are expected along the central coast.
On December 28, 2023, in Ventura, CA, a group of men on a balcony at Faria Beach observe as massive waves pound the shore. (Image credit: Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
California beach enthusiasts are captivated by the enormous waves caused by storms, but they also bring about flooding and strong rip currents. The hazardous conditions present a significant risk of ocean drowning and structural damage such as piers and jetties, according to the National Weather Service.
Surfers and spectators have been captivated by the stunning waters, but meteorologists are warning that the powerful waves and rip tides could pose a danger to those in the vicinity.
"Significant breaking waves can result in injuries, sweep individuals off beaches and cliffs, and overturn small boats close to the shore," cautioned the National Weather Service.
A fisherman fell overboard in a harbor off Oxnard, but was able to come ashore uninjured, according to the Ventura County Fire Department. The severe conditions have led to road closures and evacuations in coastal California communities, and also resulted in the rescue of five campers along the San Luis Obispo coast.
Ventura crews worked tirelessly through the night to repair a mile-long sand barrier damaged by Thursday's powerful waters, as reported by the local fire department. The seven-foot-tall barrier serves as vital protection for the beachside communities.
In an effort to discourage spectators, local officials have closed off main access points to Ventura Pier, which was hit by a 20-foot swell on Thursday. As a precaution, certain coastal streets in the area have also been closed.
In central California's Santa Cruz, the sheriffs office issued an evacuation warning on Thursday for areas including Rio Del Mar, where seawater flooded beachside roadways and some homes. CNN affiliate KION reported that the warnings were lifted later in the day.
The most severe impacts were anticipated along the central and Ventura County coasts, as well as Hermosa, Manhattan, and Palos Verdes beaches, as stated by the Los Angeles weather service on Thursday.
Northern California is experiencing tempestuous waters, with the Bay Area expected to see waves reaching 28 to 33 feet, according to the weather service. Additionally, a high wind alert has been issued for the Bay Area on Friday, with wind gusts potentially reaching up to 50 mph.
Rainfall is likely to stretch northward from the Bay Area throughout the day Friday before shifting south into the weekend.
Storm debris fills the Rio Del Mar neighborhood of Aptos in Santa Cruz County.
Nic Coury/AP
Massive waves attract surfers to Mavericks
Despite safety warnings, the massive waves are a welcome sight to surfers hungry to tackle the legendary swells at Mavericks Beach, about 25 miles south of San Francisco.
Professional surfers and onlookers gathered at the beach on Thursday for a competition at a renowned site with some of the largest waves globally, according to CNN affiliate KGO.
Local resident Ion Banner informed the affiliate that surfers from Brazil, Tahiti, and Hawaii were seen in the water. "It's quite intense, the waves are enormous," he remarked.
Miguel Blanco, who flew in from Portugal to surf the waves, described them as "absolutely massive" and everything he expected. He estimated the waves to be between 40-60 feet in size. Mavericks' awe-inspiring waves, caused by unique underwater rock formations, reach their peak in the winter, attracting big wave surfers from around the globe.
The iconic waves and the courageous surfers who conquer them have been featured in numerous films and documentaries. This includes the 2012 biopic "Chasing Mavericks" which chronicles American surfer Jay Moriarity's teenage quest to surf Mavericks. Thursday's conditions were ideal for surfers like Blanco.
Blanco emphasized the need to take your turn, stating, "When you spot a large wave, there's a mix of fear and excitement, but you just have to go for it and savor the experience." This report includes contributions from CNN's David Williams.
