Persistent High Surf and Flooding Threats along California’s Coast
Persistent high surf and flooding threats along California’s coast had residents on high alert a day after a major storm was blamed for one man’s death and the partial collapse of a pier, which propelled three people into the Pacific Ocean.
Two Men Remain Missing
And two other men remained missing Tuesday, one of them presumed dead, after being swept out to sea in central California, while the U.S. Coast Guard in the Los Angeles area searched for two others after their boat was found overturned earlier in the day.
National Weather Service Warns of Dangerous Waves
The National Weather Service on Christmas Eve warned of dangerous, large-breaking waves of up to 35 feet (10.7 meters). Its latest high surf warning will be in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday.
“Large waves can sweep across the beach without warning, pulling people into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches,” the weather service said in a Christmas Eve bulletin.
Pier Collapse and Flooding Threats
In Santa Cruz, where a municipal wharf under construction partially collapsed on Monday, most beaches were cordoned off as they were inundated with high surf and debris.
Residents received an alert on their phones Tuesday morning notifying them to “avoid all beaches including coastal overlook areas such as rocks, jetties or cliffs.” It warned powerful waves could sweep entire beaches unexpectedly.
Local officials said there could be further damage to the wharf, but no more pieces broke off overnight.
Long-Term Solutions Needed
Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley said in the weeks and months ahead officials will have to assess long-term solutions for protecting the coastal city from the impacts of climate change.
“Hallelujah that no one was hurt in this, which could have been orders of magnitude worse in terms of any injuries to human beings and damage to property onshore and offshore,” he said at a media briefing Tuesday.
“But I think we have somewhat of a question mark as we move through time,” he added. “And I don’t think we’re by ourselves. I think this is what coastal communities around the world are probably dealing with.”
Search Efforts Underway
The structure was in the middle of a $4 million renovation following destructive storms last winter about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of San Francisco.
“It’s a catastrophe for those down at the end of the wharf,” said David Johnston, who was allowed onto the pier on Monday to check on his business, Venture Quest Kayaking.
Tony Elliot, the head of the Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department, estimated that about 150 feet (45 meters) of the end of the wharf fell into the water. It was immediately evacuated and will remain closed indefinitely.
Conclusion
The storm’s impact on California’s coast has left residents on high alert, with persistent high surf and flooding threats expected to continue until Tuesday evening. The partial collapse of a pier in Santa Cruz has resulted in the missing of two men, one of whom is presumed dead. Long-term solutions are needed to protect coastal cities from the impacts of climate change.
FAQs
Q: What is the latest high surf warning in effect?
A: The latest high surf warning will be in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Q: How many people were swept into the ocean during the pier collapse?
A: Three people were swept into the ocean during the pier collapse.
Q: Are there any ongoing search efforts?
A: Yes, the Coast Guard is searching for two people after their boat was found overturned, and a man is presumed dead after being swept off rocks into the ocean.
Q: What is the estimated damage to the wharf?
A: About 150 feet of the end of the wharf fell into the water, and it is expected to remain closed indefinitely.
