Massive Sand Berms Built in California to Protect Beachfront Homes from High Surf
Bulldozers constructed massive sand berms in Ventura, California, on Friday in an effort to protect beachfront homes from the impact of extraordinary waves generated by powerful swells from Pacific storms. The emergency barriers were built in the Pierpont area of the city, which was hit hard this week by the powerful waves.
Dozens of onlookers watched as the sand berms were constructed, following a rogue wave incident on Thursday that injured eight people and caused flooding in the area. Ventura County authorities have closed beaches, piers, and harbors through December 31 due to the dangerous conditions.
Similar waves have also caused flooding in other parts of the California coast, prompting evacuation warnings for low-lying areas. The National Weather Service has warned of extremely dangerous surf conditions, with powerful cyclones over northern Pacific waters sending 12- to 17-foot swells and predicting breaking waves of up to 25 feet at some points along the coast.
Astronomical high tides are adding to the risk of more coastal flooding, with the weather service emphasizing the need for caution and advising people to heed the direction of local authorities and lifeguards.
Meanwhile, in Hawaii, the high surf warning was downgraded to an advisory on Friday, with large breaking waves and strong currents making swimming dangerous along some north-facing shores.
The extreme weather conditions are a result of powerful swells from Pacific storms, posing a significant threat to beachfront properties and prompting emergency measures to protect vulnerable areas.