Severe storms on US West Coast
California reports “dangerous monster waves”
December 31, 2023, 5:54 p.m
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Severe storms cause waves that are several meters high on the US West Coast. Surfers from San Francisco to Los Angeles rejoice, authorities warn. Some beaches will be closed for safety reasons.
The US west coast state of California has been hit by storms and very high waves. The storm will continue over the weekend in the particularly hard-hit Ventura County north of the metropolis of Los Angeles, the administration said. There were waves there that were up to six meters high. There are no reports of damage or casualties.
In San Francisco and Los Angeles, around 600 kilometers further south, rain and strong surf have also caused flooding and life-threatening situations since Friday. The “Los Angeles Times” spoke on Saturday of “dangerous monster waves” plaguing the region.
In San Francisco Bay, waves up to 12 meters high had flooded areas, as the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper reported. Most of the storm has already moved on, and warnings for flooding and high surf along the coast of northern and central California were lifted Saturday afternoon.
Surfers take advantage of waves in Los Angeles
Residents should still stay away from the water if possible, the authorities warned. Large waves could wash people off jetties and rocks. In Ventura County, all beaches should remain closed until New Year’s Day. In other parts of the district, the administration lifted calls for evacuations from low-lying areas.
The strong surf on Saturday could be seen in photos from the town of Pacifica near San Francisco, among others. At Seal Beach in Los Angeles, surfers used the high waves for their sport. There were pictures of partly devastated beaches, including from the coastal road in the town of Aptos, south of San Francisco.