A strong wave flooded the area and carried people and cars up the street in Ventura, California, while many people observed the high surf at the end of an avenue.
A representative from the Ventura County Fire Department said on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that eight individuals were sent to the hospital on Thursday, December 28, as a result of the incident.
Large waves break near the beach on December 28, 2023 in Ventura, California. Dangerous surf churned up by storms in the Pacific is impacting much of California’s coastline with coastal flooding possible in some low-lying areas.
Pacific Storm Creates Wild Waves
Coastal cities in California have issued a warning to their citizens, stating that a Pacific storm this week has created turbulent waters that might easily become extremely dangerous waves. "Stay away from rocks, jetties, piers, and other waterside infrastructure. Never turn your back to the ocean," warned the National Weather Service (NWS) in the Bay Area via a post on X.
The Bay Area was under a high surf warning until 3:00 AM local time on Friday, December 29, according to NWS authorities. The waves, they said, may be very dangerous and up to 40 feet high in some areas.
On Thursday, the surf was predicted to reach its peak, but the hazardous conditions would persist until Saturday, December 30. With waves of 15 to 20 feet and local sets of 25 feet, a high surf warning was in effect for Southern California all the way into Saturday night.
According to ABC News, the rain is predicted to begin in the northwest on Friday morning and make its way to the Bay Area by afternoon. Evening traffic in and around San Francisco may be affected. Friday may see gusts of up to 50 mph in the coastal areas, where the storm is most likely to make landfall.
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Reports From Coastal Cities
In Ventura County, public beaches were blocked after a wave hospitalized eight people. Oxnard said that its beaches will be closed until Sunday, December 31.
County fire officials worked Thursday night constructing a barrier around the beaches using bulldozers and heavy equipment to protect them from strong waves. Officials have said that the completed berm, which begins at San Pedro St. and extends about one mile to Greenock Lane, is seven feet high and one mile long.
Meanwhile, the Santa Cruz Fire Department also sent a critical warning, stating, "The big surf we have been talking about is here! Please help us keep you and our teams safe!"
Not only did the city of Southern California shut Main Beach and Cowell Beach, but Santa Cruz Wharf as well. Officials said that low-lying regions along West Cliff had experienced flooding, with large waves slamming into the coast and debris strewn around.
A 25 to 30-foot wave was predicted to crash on Santa Cruz, according to the NWS. There are storm surges, rip currents, and "sneaker" waves in the region, as per the agency.
The Santa Cruz Fire Department published an Instagram post on Thursday urging everyone to stay inside and away from the beach for their safety.
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