California
Massive California Waves Hospitalize At Least Eight And Cause Evacuations Along Pacific Coast
Topline
The massive waves striking the California coastline this week injured eight people viewing the 20-foot waves from a beach in Ventura on Thursday—while also causing property damage and forcing evacuations in northern California.
Several people watching waves reaching up to 20 feet were swept away in Ventura on Thursday.
Key Facts
The Ventura County Fire Department posted footage of the dangerous wave, which washed at least 20 people off their feet—as well as moving an SUV and other vehicles.
At least eight people were transported to local hospitals after the rogue wave, Ventura County officials said.
Ventura County has since closed all beaches, beachside campgrounds, and the Ventura Pier, however, more footage obtained by KTLA shows ocean swells reaching much further inland into city streets.
Stinson Beach, a low-lying community on the coast of Marin County, was evacuated for about four hours on Thursday as swell from the ocean reached buildings along the shore.
Rio del Mar and Pajaro Dunes, two small communities in Santa Cruz County, were also evacuated on Thursday—authorities are now warning that several inches or rain expected on Friday and more dangerous waves on Saturday could force more evacuations.
Waves crash into houses at Faria Beach, in Ventura County, California.
Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesWhat To Watch For
The devastating waves California has experienced this week were caused by low-pressure storm systems in the eastern Pacific Ocean, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS is predicting California will see more dangerous waves, with ocean swells reaching between 13 to 21 feet for the San Francisco Bay Area on Friday and Saturday. The storm is expected to move inland on Friday, bringing gale-force winds and thunderstorms alongside the dangerous ocean swells. Authorities are asking residents in coastal communities to avoid the water due to rip currents, and stay away from rocks, jetties, and beaches. A large portion of the northern California coastline, including the cities of Monterrey, San Francisco, and San Rafael, were placed under coastal flood advisories on Friday.
A surfer braves the dangerous conditions in Newport Beach, California.
Photographers document the monstrous waves in Half Moon Bay, California. Waves crash on Ventura Pier, which was closed by the County on Thursday.
Further Reading