A rogue wave in Ventura, California left 8 people injured and caused widespread damage to the area on Thursday. Videos captured the terrifying moment when the wave jumped over a seawall and swept aside cars and people in its path. The Ventura County Fire Department responded to the scene, and a total of eight patients were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, according to Ventura County Fire Capt. Brian McGrath. Residents in the affected neighborhoods and patrons of a nearby hotel were advised to leave, and roads in the area were closed.
The incident in Ventura comes amidst a series of coastal weather advisories and warnings issued for both California and Hawaii. The National Weather Service has warned of dangerous beach conditions and high surf, with potentially damaging coastal flooding along the coastlines. A storm system over the Pacific is generating swells, prompting coastal weather watches and warnings throughout the region. In California, the warnings vary by local NWS office, with some areas experiencing waves up to 20 feet and others receiving coastal flood advisories. In Honolulu, a high surf warning is in effect, with parts of the islands experiencing surf up to 35 feet.
As a result of these extreme weather conditions, officials are urging people to avoid the ocean, and high surf is expected to persist through the weekend. The situation is being closely monitored, and residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution and stay informed about the latest developments.