(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.
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.
Some of the wharf s pilings are still in the ocean and remain serious, serious hazards to boats, the mayor said. Each piling weighs hundreds of pounds and is being pushed by powerful waves.
You are risking your life, and those of the people that would need to try and save you by getting in or too close to the water, the National Weather Service s Bay Area office said on the social platform X.
Building inspectors were looking at the rest of the pier s structural integrity.
Some California cities ordered beachfront homes and hotels to evacuate early Monday afternoon as forecasters warned that storm swells would continue to increase throughout the day.
In Watsonville along the Monterey Bay, first responders were called to Sunset State Beach, a state park, around 11:30 a.m. Monday for a report of a man trapped under debris. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff s Office believes a large wave pinned him there. The man was pronounced dead at a hospital.
The storm s high surf also likely pulled another man into the Pacific Ocean around noon Monday at Marina State Beach, nearly 13 miles (21 kilometers) south of Watsonville, authorities said. Strong currents and high waves forced searchers to abandon their efforts roughly two hours later as conditions worsened. The man remained missing Monday evening.
In a post on X, the National Weather Service office in Portland, Oregon, said, It will likely go down as some of the highest surf this winter.
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Dazio reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press writer Sophie Austin in Sacramento contributed.
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