(AP) SANTA CRUZ, CA A day after a big storm was blamed for the death of one man and the partial collapse of a pier that threw three people into the Pacific Ocean, residents of California were on high alert due to persistent high surf and flooding risks along the state’s coast.
On Christmas Eve, the National Weather Service issued a warning of large-breaking waves that could reach heights of up to 35 feet (10.7 meters). Its most recent high surf warning is set to last until Tuesday at 6 p.m.
According to a weather service statement on Christmas Eve, large waves can suddenly wash across the beach and take people from rocks, jetties, and beaches into the sea.
Most beaches in Santa Cruz were closed due to excessive surf and debris, following the partial collapse of a municipal dock under construction on Monday.
On Tuesday morning, residents received a phone alert warning them to stay away from all beaches, especially those with views of the coast, such as cliffs, jetties, and rocks. It cautioned that strong waves can suddenly overwhelm whole beaches.
On Monday, December 23, 2024, during strong surf in Santa Cruz, California, damage is visible on the end of Santa Cruz Wharf. (Photo by Nic Coury/AP)
Although no more pieces fell off overnight, local officials warned that the wharf might sustain additional damage.
Three individuals were killed when the wharf collapsed and tumbled into the water on Monday around noon. A third person swam to safety, while two others were saved by lifeguards. There were no significant injuries.
In order to safeguard the coastal city from the effects of climate change, officials will need to evaluate long-term solutions in the coming weeks and months, according to Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley.
At a media event on Tuesday, he expressed his gratitude that no one was harmed, saying that the situation might have been much worse in terms of both onshore and offshore property damage and human injuries.
However, he added, “I believe we have a bit of a question mark as we move through time.” Furthermore, I don’t believe we’re alone. Coastal communities around the world are likely dealing with this, in my opinion.
After damaging storms last winter, the building, located roughly 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of San Francisco, was undergoing a $4 million rehabilitation.
David Johnston, who was permitted to enter the pier on Monday to check on his company, Venture Quest Kayaking, stated that it’s a disaster for individuals down at the end of the wharf.
About 150 feet (45 meters) of the end of the wharf crashed into the water, according to Tony Elliot, head of the Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department. It was evacuated right away and will always be closed.
According to the mayor, some of the wharf’s pilings are still in the water and pose a major risk to boats. Strong waves are pushing each piling, which weighs hundreds of pounds.
On the social media site X, the Bay Area office of the National Weather Service stated that if you get in or too close to the water, you are endangering both your life and the lives of others who would have to try to save you.
The structural stability of the remaining pier was being examined by building inspectors.
Forecasters warned that storm seas will continue to rise throughout the day, prompting some California cities to order the evacuation of hotels and homes along the beach early Monday afternoon.
Around 11:30 a.m. on Monday, first responders were dispatched to Sunset State Beach, a state park in Watsonville in the Monterey Bay, after receiving a report of a man stuck beneath rubble. According to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, he was stuck there by a big wave. At the hospital, the man was declared dead.
Around noon on Monday, authorities reported another guy was probably dragged into the Pacific Ocean by the storm’s powerful waves at Marina State Beach, which is located about 13 miles (21 kilometers) south of Watsonville. About two hours later, when conditions deteriorated, searchers were forced to give up due to strong currents and huge waves. On Monday night, the man was still unaccounted for.
It will probably rank among the highest surf of the winter, according to a post on X from the Portland, Oregon, National Weather Service office.
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