California Beaches Close as 35-Foot Waves Hit Amid Powerful El Niño
City of Santa Cruz beaches remain closed on Saturday with the National Weather Service warning of a “very high” risk of drowning.
California beach closures and warnings issued amid 35-foot waves and El Niño
The City of Santa Cruz closed its beaches and the Santa Cruz Wharf until 5 a.m. PST on Sunday due to a High Surf Warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). The warning warned of large waves reaching 25 to 35 feet, posing significant risks to public safety including coastal flooding and potential impacts to coastal infrastructure.
The NWS forecasted "very hazardous conditions along the Pacific coast" with a risk of drowning and sneaker waves. Santa Cruz Fire Chief warned that entering the water or approaching hazardous coastal areas could endanger not only the public but also marine safety personnel. The closure came as a result of a strengthening El Niño, a naturally occurring climate pattern which can bring extreme weather patterns.
This El Niño is expected to be unusually strong, with a 60 percent chance of being the strongest on record since 1950.
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