Biggest waves in a decade pound California coast, flood streets

Key Points:

• The Bay Area experienced its largest waves in over a decade on Saturday, with waves reaching heights of 25 to 35 feet and potentially up to 50 to 60 feet at steep shorelines like Mavericks, causing flooding and safety hazards along the California coast.
• Pacifica was particularly affected, with waves flooding streets, damaging homes, and sweeping debris into areas such as the Taco Bell Cantina parking lot, while onlookers faced dangerous conditions despite warnings.
• The National Weather Service issued a high surf warning through Sunday morning, emphasizing the life-threatening nature of the waves and advising people to stay away from the shore due to risks of being swept into the sea.
• These unusually large waves, occurring earlier than typical winter surf seasons, are linked to El Niño-driven weather patterns that bring stronger storms and increased wave activity to the California coast, with climate change and rising sea levels exacerbating potential damage.
• Authorities, including the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, have issued evacuation warnings for low-lying coastal areas, highlighting the ongoing threat of flooding and urging public caution as more large swells are expected through the week.