Increased Wave Threats to Hit California Coastline

December 27, 2024 TruthUSA

The largest waves are anticipated along the northern and central coastlines. Inexperienced swimmers are strongly cautioned to keep their distance.

Numerous high surf advisory warnings were issued on Thursday and Friday morning across the California coastline due to perilously high surf and storm conditions.

The most severe waves, ranging from 20 to 30 feet, can be expected along the Northern and Central California coast—specifically in the Coastal North Bay, San Francisco, Monterey Bay, and Big Sur—lasting until 4 p.m. on Sunday, as reported by the National Weather Service (NWS).

The San Francisco office of the NWS has advised that inexperienced swimmers remain out of the water.

“Large waves can unexpectedly surge onto the beach, sweeping individuals into the ocean from rocks, jetties, and shorelines,” the advisory cautions.

A separate warning for the beaches in San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County has indicated wave heights of 10 to 15 feet that will decrease to 8 to 11 feet by Sunday afternoon and continue into Monday night.

Beaches in Ventura County are anticipated to experience waves between 6 to 10 feet until Sunday night.

Beaches in Los Angeles County and along the Malibu coast have been alerted to expect waves of 5 to 8 feet through Monday morning.

The week has seen particularly hazardous surf, with a section of the Santa Cruz Wharf collapsing into the ocean on December 23 due to turbulent waters and strong winds.

Three construction workers fell into the ocean as a result. Two were rescued while the third managed to swim to safety.

Local authorities have stated that the wharf and surrounding beaches will remain closed indefinitely due to hazardous debris continuing to wash ashore.

Additionally, on December 23, a man lost his life when a large wave trapped him under debris at a beach in Santa Cruz County, according to the sheriff’s office.

In a post on X that day, the NWS’s Bay Area office issued a warning to residents about the dangers of approaching the coastline.

“You are endangering your life, as well as those who would need to attempt a rescue if you get too close to the water,” it cautioned.

Further south along the Central California coast, the Carmel Pine Cone reported that a man went missing in Pebble Beach that afternoon “after a large wave swept him from the rocks,” according to law enforcement and eyewitness accounts.

Witnesses indicated that the man may have climbed onto the rocks to take a photograph.

That morning, the NWS Ocean Prediction Center had issued warnings regarding extreme winds near the Pacific Northwest.

“A rapidly developing storm will bring hurricane-force winds to the offshore areas of the Pacific Northwest tonight. Winds could peak at nearly 70 knots with higher gusts, and seas will escalate over 30 feet,” the NWS stated on X.

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