Persistent high surf and flooding threats along California’s coast have left residents on high alert following a major storm blamed for one man’s death and the partial collapse of the Santa Cruz Wharf, which propelled three people directlyinto the Pacific Ocean. The National Weather Service (NWS) on Christmas Eve warned of dangerous, large-breaking waves of up to 35 feet (10.7 meters), advising locals and visitors to heed safety measures as the waves pose serious risks.
“Large waves can sweep across the beach without warning, pulling peopleinto the sea from rocks, jetties, and beaches,” the NWS cautioned via its Christmas Eve bulletin. The surf advisory remains effective until 6 p.m. Tuesday, with alerts sent to residents advising them to remain clear of beaches and overlook areas as the situation develops.
On Monday, as conditions worsened, the Santa Cruz Wharf, which was undergoing renovations at the time, partially collapsed. This incident resulted inthe fall of roughly 150 feet (45 meters) of the structure—the collapse sending three individuals, who were near the wharf, tumbling intothe water. Thankfully, lifeguards were able to rescue two of the people, and one managed to swim to safety. No serious injuries were reported, yet the city's wharf—a focal point of local commerce—now presents significant hazards.
Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley expressed relief at the lack of severe injuries but also invoked wider concerns over the climate-induced challenges facing coastal communities. He remarked, “Hallelujahthat no one was hurt in this, which could have been orders of magnitude worsein terms of any injuries to human beings and damage to property onshore and offshore.” Mayor Keeley emphasized the need for proactive assessments and long-term solutions to mitigate such events, stating, “But I think we have somewhat of aquestion mark as we move through time, and I don’t think we’re by ourselves.”
The city of Santa Cruz has invested approximately $4 million for renovations following the damaging storms from the previous winter, demonstrating the recurring problems municipalities face amid increasingly volatile weather patterns. For residents and operators near the wharf, the impact is deeply felt. “It’sa catastrophe for those down at the end of the wharf,” shared local business owner David Johnston, who manages Venture Quest Kayaking.
The NWS continued to describe the surfing conditions as particularly perilous. “You are risking your life, and those of the people whowould need to try and save you by getting too close to the water,” said the Bay Area office through social media. Officials are working diligently to check other parts of the pier’s structure to assess potential hazards. Mayor Keeley warned of remaining pilings still embedded underwater, which pose “serious, serious hazards” to boaters. Estimates suggest these pilings weigh hundreds of pounds and could easily be pushed by powerful waves.
Further north along the Monterey Bay area, first responders arrived at Sunset State Beach around 11:30 AM on Monday to aid a man entrapped under debris, believed to be caused by the storm's forceful waves. Unfortunately, the man could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the hospital—a somber reminder of the storm's deadly potential.
Facing growing concerns, authorities reported another missing person at Marina State Beach, nearly 13 miles (21 kilometers) south of Watsonville, where waves reportedly pulled the man out to sea. Rescue searches were temporarily suspended due to worsening conditions, forcing officials to reassess strategies for recovery efforts. One additional person was reported missing near Pebble Beach after being swept off rocks.
The U.S. Coast Guard has indicated plans to transition to recovery effortsfor the missing individuals as ocean conditions improve. Meanwhile,they are also conducting searches for two individuals off the Palos Verdes Peninsula after finding their overturned boat—a stark reminder of the storm’s chaotic aftermath. Evacuations of beachfront properties were initiated along coastal cities as storm swells continued to rise.
Experts pointed to the potential historical significance of these surf conditions, with the NWS mentioning it could be labeled among the season’s highest surf. Coastal residents are left considering both immediate safety measures and broader protective strategies as they enter what could be another challenging winter season.
