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The National Weather Service has warned that another round of extremely dangerous surf conditions would return on Saturday to a California coast already battered by powerful swells from Pacific storms.
On Friday authorities had built large emergency barriers in the Pierpont area of the southern California city of Ventura, where a rogue wave on Thursday smacked spectators and vehicles as it overran the beach and flowed into a neighborhood.
Eight people were taken to hospitals for treatment of injuries after the Pierpont incident, according to Ventura county authorities, who closed beaches, piers and harbors through 31 December.
Similar waves overran beaches elsewhere on Thursday on the California coast, flooding parking lots and streets and triggering evacuation warnings for low-lying areas.
“We have had water down the lane once before but never like this,” Karris Kutivan, a nine-year Ventura resident, told the Associated Press.
The Los Angeles-area weather office stated that powerful cyclones over northern Pacific waters were sending 12-17ft (3.6-5-meter) swells, creating “tremendous wave energy across coastal waters.”
At some points along California, breaking waves were predicted to reach 25ft (7.6 meters). Astronomical high tides were adding to a significant risk of more coastal flooding, forecasters said.
“Overall, this is expected to be an exceptional high-surf and coastal flooding event that has not occurred in many years,” the weather service said. “Take caution and heed the direction of local authorities and lifeguards. Never ever turn your back to the water as damaging and life-threatening sneaker waves are likely to occur.”
The Associated Press contributed reporting
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