Powerful waves are currently battering the northern coast of California, with reports of surf reaching heights of up to 30 feet. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued high surf advisories warning residents to avoid beaches, piers, and jetties as dangerous conditions persist.
On Thursday, December 26, videos captured by local eyewitnesses showed dramatic waves slamming against the Mendocino coast, particularly around Fort Bragg. The NWS emphasized the risks involved, urging visitors to maintain their distance from rocky shorelines and steep beaches where potential hazards are present. Meteorologist Brayden Murdock of the NWS echoed these concerns, stating, "If you’re visiting the beaches at this time, you’re not just putting yourself at risk, you’re putting the people who have to come rescue you if anything goes wrong at risk." His comments highlight the broader dangers the waves pose—not just to beach-goers but also to the rescuers who may have to intervene.
The stormy sea conditions have already resulted in tragic consequences. Over the past week, high surf has been linked to the death of a man at Sunset State Beach who was trapped under storm debris, as well as the disappearance of two fishermen off the coast of Palos Verdes. Murdock reported waves reaching heights of 30 to 40 feet during earlier storms, with some breakers even peaking at 60 feet. He noted, "Those waves were blamed for the death of the man at Sunset State Beach..." highlighting the lethal nature of the surf.
Monday witnessed another major incident when approximately 150 feet of the Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed due to the relentless waves, sending several city workers who were near the site falling helplessly onto the turbulent waters below. Fortunately, they survived with minor injuries after being rescued by lifeguards. Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley stated, "The collapse was the result of very strong waves crashing against it," illustrating just how unpredictable and dangerous the conditions have become.
The city is now grappling with extensive infrastructure damage, and local residents are voicing their frustration and fear. One resident, Bud Freitas, described the chaos to The Guardian, stating, "It's total chaos. I just did a drive-through of the south side of town and the beaches are all tore up. It looks like a bomb went off." His comments paint a vivid picture of the destructive impacts the recent storms have had on the coastline.
Despite the forecast of slightly less severe surf conditions, the NWS warns the public to remain vigilant. Murdock explained, "Even though wave heights shrink as the surf approaches shore, they still possess considerable energy and can lead to hazardous conditions." The term "sneaker waves" refers to waves unexpectedly reaching far onto beaches, catching those unaware and resulting in dangerous situations.
Alongside the hazardous surf conditions, there is the expectation of inclement weather—with winds and light rain expected to lacerate the Bay Area's coastal regions. These factors combine to reduce visibility and complicate rescue efforts. Murdock warned, "So we can’t recommend much in the way of fishing or even taking the pets along the beach if they are still what they think is far away from the water. It could still sneak up on you.”
The NWS’s advisory will remain effective through the weekend, with strong winds and massive swell conditions likely to last, prompting authorities to prioritize public safety. Officials are advising the community to heed safety tips, including staying away from the shoreline and remaining informed about the surf conditions.
Residents along the northern coast should remain cautious of storm debris, rip currents, and unstable structures as the dangerous surf persists. Many coastal areas are considering closures to protect public safety during this time.
High surf advisories from the NWS remain tall, indicating the seriousness of the situation. "Keep a safe distance from the ocean and avoid steep beaches, jetties, and outcroppings during dangerous surf conditions," said the NWS, reiterative of the warnings provided throughout the week.
The recent wave damage not only poses immediate threats but could catalyze long-lasting economic impacts on local businesses reliant on coastal tourism. The community will need to strategically approach recovery and mitigation as winter weather and high surf pose continual threats to safety and infrastructure.
With increasing wave heights and dwindling visibility accompanying stormy weather, it is imperative for residents to prioritize safety and heed the warnings provided by local authorities. Regrettably, the extreme conditions witnessed over this past week spotlight the perilous nature of the California coastline during moments of severe meteorological activity.
