High Surf Causes Localized Flooding on West Coast and Hawaii
Powerful surf hit the beaches of the West Coast and Hawaii on Thursday, caused by a major swell generated by the stormy Pacific Ocean. This prompted forecasters to warn people about the dangers of “sneaker waves” and advised them to stay off rocks and jetties.
The National Weather Service issued a high surf warning for parts of Northern California, predicting waves ranging from 28 to 33 feet and up to 40 feet at some locations. Localized coastal flooding was reported, with surf overtaking areas such as the beach in Aptos, where debris was strewn across the region.
Santa Cruz County issued evacuation warnings to residents in several coastal areas. “Mother Nature’s angry,” said Eve Krammer, a longtime resident of Aptos. “I mean these waves are gnarly. They’re huge.”
The southern end of the Monterey Bay coastal area was slammed by the ocean last January during a similar event. Jeff Howard, a resident in Aptos, expressed concern for those living in low-lying coastal areas.
Meanwhile, Southern California also experienced hazardous waves, with life-threatening rip currents. Surf enthusiasts like surfer Alex Buford, 27, couldn’t resist hitting the waves despite the warnings. “I was waiting for a while because the waves were really sick,” Buford said. “Just waited for a good one and I got it and it was a long one. Pretty big. It was sick.”
In Hawaii, the weather service forecasted elevated surf, reaching 30 to 40 feet along north-facing shores and 18 to 22 feet along west-facing shores of five islands. Professional surfer Sheldon Paishon, who was preparing to surf at Makaha, a world-famous surfing beach on Oahu’s west side, advised novice surfers to check with lifeguards before entering the water.
Honolulu Ocean Safety lifeguards made 20 rescues along the island’s famed North Shore on Wednesday and conducted thousands of preventative actions. “This time of year produces incredible surf but it can also be very dangerous,” said spokesperson Shayne Enright.
The dangerous surf could also cause surges that might hit coastal properties and roadways, as warned by the weather service. As the swell continues, residents, surfers, and authorities brace for the powerful surf rolling onto the coast.