Scenes of angry, towering waves hitting streets in Northern California coastal towns flooded social media Thursday. Buildings and businesses from Pacifica to Santa Cruz reported damage and beaches were evacuated. A combination of an offshore storm and high tide led to the onslaught — and another storm is on the way.
The high surf warning continues until 3 a.m Friday as waves are expected to be as high as 33 feet. The weather service advises people to stay away from beaches, piers, and other waterside infrastructure.
Absolutely insane waves today in Pacifica! High Surf Warning remains in effect until 3am tomorrow, Be safe and smart around the ocean! @NWSBayArea #CAwx pic.twitter.com/az6Lj4kWYA
— Antonio Maffei (@AGMaffei) December 28, 2023
WIPEOUT! Kids watching the waves in Santa Cruz were tossed when a big one crashed into the rocks. pic.twitter.com/UMljSqBWln
— KSBW Action News 8 (@ksbw) December 28, 2023
Don’t be this person! Massive wave nearly sweeps this person away in Pacifica when it crashes into the seawall. Stay away from the ocean! #CAwx https://t.co/OXZYviQkNp pic.twitter.com/CsWGqzJG26
— Anthony Edwards (@edwardsanthonyb) December 28, 2023
These are what 20-25′ waves look like in northern California! The coast is experiencing flooding and damage because of strong winds and waves. pic.twitter.com/5YGH0rAsuV
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) December 28, 2023
Massive waves hitting the beaches in Point Reyes today.
Thx @Adamneale117 pic.twitter.com/cIQU65LNlU
— The West Marin Feed (@WestMarinFeed) December 28, 2023
