A major storm battered California’s central coast, causing fatalities, significant flooding, and the partial collapse of a pier. Evacuations were ordered as forecasters warned of increasing storm surges and high surf. Search efforts for a missing man were hindered by treacherous conditions. Mayor Fred Keeley highlighted the storm’s potential severity, warning residents of the risks associated with high waves and dangerous surf conditions.
On Monday, a significant storm impacted California’s central coast, giving rise to severe flooding and high surf that led to the tragic death of a man trapped by debris at a beach and also caused part of a pier to collapse, resulting in three individuals being thrown into the Pacific Ocean. The storm is anticipated to escalate, producing hurricane-force winds and waves reaching heights of up to 60 feet as it moves from California towards the Pacific Northwest. As a precautionary measure, officials in various coastal cities initiated evacuations of beachfront properties on Monday afternoon in light of warnings that the storm swells are set to intensify throughout the day.
The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning effective until noon on Tuesday, accompanied by a high surf warning extending until 6 p.m. on the same day. Mayor Fred Keeley of Santa Cruz expressed concerns about the escalating severity of the storm, stating, “We are anticipating that what is coming toward us is more serious than what was there this morning.” First responders were dispatched to Sunset State Beach in Watsonville at around 11:30 a.m. following reports of a man trapped under debris; it is suspected that a powerful wave had pinned him down, leading to his death later at a hospital.
Authorities indicated that another man was likely swept into the ocean at Marina State Beach, located nearly 13 miles south of Watsonville. Search efforts conducted by the US Coast Guard and local law enforcement were hindered by the treacherous conditions, forcing them to cease operations after two hours when the situation became increasingly perilous. By Monday evening, the man remained unaccounted for.
In Santa Cruz, sections of the partially reconstructed municipal wharf collapsed into the ocean, causing two engineers and a project manager involved in the inspection of the area to fall into the water. Fortunately, two of the individuals were rescued by lifeguards while the third managed to swim to safety. No severe injuries were reported. Mayor Keeley noted that this particular segment of the wharf had sustained structural damage over time, and it was undergoing renovations costing $4 million initiated after previous storms caused significant degradation.
Approximately 150 feet of the wharf fell into the sea, with some pilings remaining dangerous hazards for boats in the area. The municipal authority has strongly advised against approaching the water due to potential risks to life and safety. The segment that collapsed was already closed for renovations, and remnants floated down the coast, becoming lodged within the San Lorenzo River. The structural integrity of the remaining sections of the pier is currently under assessment by building inspectors.
Further along the West Coast, conditions remain hazardous with projected wave heights of up to 30 feet from the central Oregon coast through southwestern Washington. Winds may approach 80 mph, accompanied by a high surf warning effective until 10 p.m. on the same day. The Portland office of the National Weather Service noted, “it will likely go down as some of the highest surf this winter.”
The article centers around a major storm affecting California’s central coast, characterized by severe flooding, strong winds, and high surf. Such storms often pose significant risks to life and property, emphasizing the importance of evacuation warnings issued by local authorities. Historical context regarding prior storm impacts in the region underlines the ongoing vulnerability of coastal infrastructure. This incident is part of a larger weather pattern impacting the West Coast, creating hazardous conditions over a broad geographical area.
The storm that struck California’s central coast has resulted in tragic consequences, including the loss of life and the structural collapse of a municipal pier. As the storm continues to affect the region, the importance of safety measures and evacuation protocols becomes increasingly evident in safeguarding residents and visitors. Local authorities are actively working to prevent further incidents and assess damage, while the overall meteorological conditions indicate ongoing risk for much of the West Coast, calling for vigilance and caution.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
