Stormy weather was predicted to affect the Bay Area during Christmas week, warning residents of the risk of floods and dangerous beach conditions.
San Francisco, the Peninsula coast, the Monterey Bay, the Big Sur Coast, and the North Bay coast, including Point Reyes National Seashore, were all under a strong surf warning through midday Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Along the coast, 30 to 35-foot breaking waves are typical, while certain popular locations, like Mavericks, just north of Half Moon Bay, may have waves as high as 40 feet.
Authorities confirmed that two persons needed to be pulled out of the ocean after a portion of the Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed Monday afternoon due to the high surf.
According to Santa Cruz officials, the collapse occurred at approximately 12:45 p.m. The collapsed segment of the pier, which contained the Dolphin restaurant and one of the public restrooms on the wharf, “was a portion of the municipal wharf that has already been determined to need to be taken down and repaired over time,” according to Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley.
Keeley said that no one was hurt and that everyone was safe, but he did clarify that the individuals who fell into the water were city workers who were on the wharf at the time.
On Monday, there were numerous beach rescues during the heavy waves. Around 11:30 a.m., a man was reported trapped beneath debris at Sunset State Beach, and one person was discovered deceased. At Monterey County’s Marina State Beach, a second person went into the sea Monday afternoon and is still unaccounted for.
There was no doubt that the surf conditions were bad.
“It’s definitely nothing to ignore. Chris Reddick, a surfer from San Francisco, remarked, “I’m a big water person, and if you weren’t, you’d probably be in a bit of a different situation,” following the breakage of his board by the rocks and waves at Fort Point. “I wouldn’t describe it as welcoming. Indeed, there is a great deal of water flow.
The National Weather Service issued a warning of “extreme weather risk” for all Pacific Coast beaches, citing “dangerous, and potentially life threatening conditions.”
“This one is unique. According to Brian Garcia, a meteorologist with the National Weather Center, “it has had the entire Pacific to generate across.” “The swell has appeared more early and in greater quantities than we first anticipated. As a result, both the coastal flood warning and the high surf warning are out.
Through Tuesday, forecasters predict extremely high surf, rip currents, sneaker waves, and coastal flooding. Breaking waves as high as 40 feet are expected, making the seas extremely dangerous for boaters.
KPIX First Alert Weather: Local conditions, warnings, and maps
Additionally, due to the possibility that the strong surf may affect coastal locations including piers, wharves, and other structures along the coastline, a coastal flood warning was in effect until midday Tuesday, according to the Weather Service. Residents could expect parking spaces, seaside paths, and low-lying roadways to flood.
Through Tuesday, the weather service issued a warning that the bay, ocean, and beach might experience hazardous and potentially fatal conditions. The dangerous surf conditions are predicted to last until next week, however ocean surges will start to lessen from Tuesday.
In the meanwhile, more extensive, heavy rainfall was predicted to spread throughout the area late Monday into Tuesday morning, along with coastal drizzle and North Bay showers. The Weather Service warned of heavy rain, citing the rapid rise of creeks, streams, and small rivers as the primary hazards, as well as a 5% probability that rainfall totals would surpass flash flood guidelines.
The North Bay valleys and coastal ranges south of the Golden Gate are predicted to receive 0.5 to 1 inch of rain, the North Bay mountains could receive up to 2 inches, the Bay Area valleys and Monterey Bay area could receive 0.3 to 0.6 inches, and the inland Central Coast could receive up to 0.25 inches.
According to the Weather Service, Christmas Day is predicted to be dry and partly sunny, but dangerous beach and sea conditions will still exist. According to the Weather Service, there is a slight chance of extreme rainfall in Sonoma County on Thursday and Friday as another storm system makes its way back to the Bay Area.
This story was written by Kenny Choi.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.