(Rightallegiance.com) – Giant waves and coastal flooding continue to wreak havoc for a third consecutive day in various California coastal communities, causing water rescues, car washouts, and injuries to fascinated onlookers.
The abnormally massive surf, often towering over 20 feet, has led to the closure of beaches along the California coast. It has also resulted in substantial water inundation in numerous beachside streets, homes, and businesses.
In Ventura County, severely impacted by the onslaught, waves have breached seawalls, carrying parked cars downstream and obstructing the paths of first responders. Captain Brian McGrath of the fire department reported flooding in a local hotel, causing damage to all ground-floor rooms.
The West coast, from southern California to Oregon, has been grappling with high water and dangerous rip currents since Thursday, triggered by powerful storms making landfall from the Pacific Ocean.
While hazards are expected to diminish for Northern Californians on Saturday, central and Southern California’s coastal areas will continue to bear the brunt of extreme surf, with waves reaching about 25 feet in affected regions.
In California’s Bay Area, some waves may surge as high as 40 feet, resembling telephone poles, while others are projected to hit between 28 to 33 feet.
Southern Oregon’s coast is also poised to face strong surf and high winds on Saturday. High surf warnings are in place through Saturday morning, anticipating waves between 20 and 25 feet.
Despite the awe-inspiring surf attracting curious onlookers and enthusiastic surfers, local authorities are urging people to steer clear of the water and beaches due to potentially life-threatening conditions.
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles emphasized the unsafe nature of beaches, piers, and vulnerable harbors. Ventura County officials have closed all beaches until New Year’s Eve due to the expected 15- to 20-foot waves, with extreme surf posing a significant risk of coastal flooding.
Evacuation warnings have been issued for certain Ventura County residents due to the high surf, covering residences along the Pacific Coast Highway from Seacliff Avenue South to Emma Wood Group Camp.
Despite the impressive spectacle of the waves, officials urge the public to prioritize safety and stay away from the affected areas.
In addition to the coastal challenges, one of the storm systems causing the massive waves will bring rain and wind to California through Saturday. By Saturday morning, the rain is expected to shift inland and move across Southern California, weakening over the Rocky Mountains on Sunday.
Further inland, central and eastern California will experience a wintry mix, with the possibility of over a foot of snow in high-elevation crests and peaks, and 6 to 12 inches in lower-elevation mountain areas.