Part of California's Big Sur coast experienced a road collapse into the ocean over the weekend due to a cliff giving way, referred to as a "slip out" by officials.
As a result, a section of Highway 1 has been shut down, as confirmed in a post on Sunday evening by Caltrans District 5.
All Big Sur state parks in the affected area are currently closed "until further notice," as stated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
Essential travelers within the area will be guided by convoy through the closed section, as mentioned by Caltrans District 5. The convoy is set to operate for the "next several days" while crews focus on repairing and securing the roadway, as confirmed by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
NWS San Francisco Bay Area reported that the road landslide occurred at around 4 p.m. local time on Saturday.
According to a statement from California State Parks, the park closures due to the landslide include Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, Limekiln State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and Point Sur State Historic Park.
Those with camping reservations will be issued a refund.
CNN’s Robert Shackelford contributed to this report
Editor's P/S:
The road collapse in Big Sur is a stark reminder of the fragility of our coastal infrastructure. The powerful forces of nature can wreak havoc on human construction in an instant, as evidenced by the sudden collapse of Highway 1 into the ocean. This event highlights the need for constant vigilance and proactive measures to protect our communities from similar disasters.
The closures of Big Sur state parks are a necessary precaution to ensure public safety. The landslide has made these areas unstable, and it is crucial to prevent visitors from entering potentially hazardous zones. The convoy system implemented by Caltrans District 5 will allow essential travelers to navigate the closed section of Highway 1 while crews work tirelessly to repair and secure the roadway. The cooperation and patience of the public are essential during this time to facilitate the efficient completion of these repairs. important to respect the closures and not attempt to access the affected areas, as they may be unsafe or inaccessible.