California Coast Braces for Another Round of Towering Waves
Stormy seas along the California coast calmed a bit for the Christmas holiday, but powerful ocean waves are expected to return to the Bay Area for the rest of the week. Waves up to 30 feet high are expected to crash ashore in Northern California between Thursday morning and Sunday afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a high-surf advisory, warning swimmers and boaters to beware of dangerous conditions. Meteorologists predict high temperatures in the low 60s and a strong chance of rain with patchy fog throughout the weekend.
Challenges Along the Coast
Earlier in the week, as the ocean raged against the coast, the outer portion of the historic Santa Cruz Wharf collapsed, plunging three people into turbulent waters; fortunately, all of them were later rescued. Storm-tossed debris also claimed the life of a man in Monterey Bay. While waves of this magnitude are uncommon, the deadly conditions are consistent with this time of year, when the surf is usually highest along California’s coast. National Weather Service meteorologist Brayden Murdock mentioned, “The last time we saw some swells like this was probably early January 2023. So it’s not terribly common to get this extreme — but this time of year, it’s not out of the question.”
Impact Beyond the Shore
The winter storms have caused flooding on highways and major roads in Berkeley and Oakland, as well as a rock slide in rural Sonoma County. In Southern California, conditions have been milder, with waves cresting between 5 to 10 feet in Los Angeles and Orange counties for Christmas Day. However, farther north in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, waves as high as 15 feet are expected to last through the week. High temperatures are anticipated to remain in the upper 60s, with no rain in the forecast. Meteorologists caution motorists about powerful gusts in the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys that could make driving difficult for larger vehicles.
The blustery weather poses challenges amid abnormally dry conditions in Southern California. Downtown Los Angeles typically receives about 4 inches of rain by this point in the wet season, which begins in October and lasts through March. However, this year, it has only received about 0.16 inches of rain so far. Gusts of up to 60 miles per hour will create elevated wildfire risk, especially next week, when Santa Ana winds could funnel dry, hot air through Southern California mountain passes, according to Ariel Cohen, the meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service office in Oxnard.
Looking Ahead
The highest threat is expected next Monday through Thursday, “when the drier air and somewhat warmer temperatures will bring a higher fire-weather risk,” Cohen said. Earlier this month, the Franklin fire ignited more than 4,000 acres in Malibu, largely driven by strong Santa Ana winds, damaging or destroying dozens of structures and encroaching on the campus of Pepperdine University. Stay safe and be cautious as you navigate the changing weather conditions along the California coast.