Powerful Pacific swell brings the threat of more dangerous surf to California

In response to powerful swells originating from Pacific storms, bulldozers were employed to construct massive sand berms on Friday, shielding beachfront homes in a hard-hit coastal city in California. One such city, Ventura, faced a significant impact from extraordinary waves, prompting emergency measures to safeguard residences.

The Pierpont area of Ventura witnessed the construction of these emergency barriers, attracting onlookers after a rogue wave swept through on Thursday, causing havoc among spectators and vehicles as it breached the beach and inundated a nearby neighborhood.

Reflecting on the situation, Karris Kutivan, a resident of Ventura for nine years, expressed astonishment, stating, “We have had water down the lane once before but never like this. What it has taught me is I want to live by the beach, not on the beach.”

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Following the Pierpont incident, authorities in Ventura County confirmed that eight individuals were hospitalized for injuries. Consequently, beach closures, along with shutdowns of piers and harbors, were implemented and set to remain in effect until December 31.

Similar scenarios unfolded along the California coast on Thursday, with waves inundating beaches, flooding parking lots, and streets, and prompting evacuation alerts for low-lying areas.

While ocean conditions were somewhat calmer on Friday, the National Weather Service cautioned about the return of extremely perilous surf conditions expected on Saturday. The weather service attributed the potent waves to powerful cyclones in the northern Pacific, generating swells ranging from 12 to 17 feet.

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Forecasters predicted breaking waves reaching up to 25 feet at various points along California’s coastline. Combined with astronomically high tides, these conditions posed a significant risk of further coastal flooding.

Describing the event as an exceptional high-surf and coastal flooding occurrence, the weather service urged caution, emphasizing adherence to directives from local authorities and lifeguards. Additionally, they warned of the possibility of damaging sneaker waves, advising individuals to never turn their backs on the water.

Meanwhile, Hawaii, also impacted by massive swells, saw the weather service downgrade a high surf warning to an advisory on Friday. However, it cautioned about dangerous swimming conditions due to large breaking waves ranging from 18 to 22 feet along specific north-facing shores, accompanied by strong currents.