California storm news/ Santa Cruz pier collapse/ Monterey Bay fatality/ high surf warning/ Pacific storm update/ SANTA CRUZ/ Calif./ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A powerful storm slammed California’s central coast Monday, bringing high surf and flooding that led to a fatality and the partial collapse of a pier in Santa Cruz. With hurricane-force winds and waves reaching up to 60 feet, the storm caused significant damage and hazardous conditions across the Pacific coastline.
California Storm Causes Fatality, Pier Collapse, and Dangerous Surf
Key Points
- Fatality in Monterey Bay: A man was killed after being pinned under debris by a large wave at Sunset State Beach.
- Pier Collapse in Santa Cruz: The municipal wharf, under renovation, partially collapsed, tossing three people into the ocean. All survived with no serious injuries.
- Severe Conditions: The storm brought winds nearing 80 mph and waves up to 60 feet along the California coast, with similar conditions impacting Oregon and Washington.
Santa Cruz Pier Collapses In Heavy Surf as Storm Batters California Coast
Deep Look
Storm’s Impact on California’s Coastline
California’s central coast bore the brunt of a major storm Monday, unleashing hurricane-force winds and extreme surf conditions that wreaked havoc from Monterey Bay to Santa Cruz. Authorities warned of worsening conditions as the storm intensified.
In Watsonville, a man tragically lost his life at Sunset State Beach when a powerful wave pinned him beneath debris. Responders pronounced him dead at a nearby hospital. Meanwhile, efforts to rescue a man swept away by currents at Marina State Beach were called off due to worsening conditions.
Santa Cruz Wharf Collapse
The Santa Cruz municipal wharf partially collapsed into the ocean at approximately 12:45 p.m. Three individuals inspecting the pier fell into the water, with two rescued by lifeguards and one swimming to safety. No serious injuries were reported.
The affected portion of the pier was undergoing a $4 million renovation following last winter’s destructive storms. The collapsed segment floated nearly half a mile down the coast, posing a significant navigational hazard as pilings remained adrift in the waves.
Broader Coastal Damage
Further north, from the central Oregon coast to southwestern Washington, dangerous surf conditions brought waves as high as 30 feet. Winds reached speeds of up to 80 mph, with a high surf warning in effect until late Monday. The National Weather Service characterized the event as one of the most significant surf episodes this winter.
Public Warnings
Officials urged the public to stay away from the water, emphasizing that entering or approaching the surf could endanger both individuals and rescuers.
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