Santa Cruz Wharf collapses, one fatality reported as atmospheric rivers make way to Northern California
Powerful waves from a series of atmospheric rivers caused the Santa Cruz Wharf to collapse, claimed the life of a man at Sunset State Beach, and left another missing at Marina State Beach on Monday, December 23, 2024.
Boat flipped over at the Santa Cruz Harbor due to rough seas. Image credit: CHP Santa Cruz
- Four atmospheric rivers are currently making their way to the West Coast, bringing heavy moisture, dangerous winds, and massive waves that are forecast to reach up to 18 m (60 feet) along Northern California’s coastline.
- A 46 m (150-foot) section of the Santa Cruz Wharf, already closed for repairs, collapsed into the ocean on December 23 due to massive waves. Three personnel inspecting the wharf were unharmed, and multiple water rescues were carried out.
- A man died at Sunset State Beach after being trapped beneath debris by large waves, while another person remained missing after entering the water at Marina State Beach in Monterey County.
Four atmospheric rivers are moving in from the Pacific, bringing rounds of moisture, strong winds, and massive waves to the West Coast.
Dangerous waves caused by the first atmospheric river brought down part of the Santa Cruz Wharf on Monday afternoon, December 23. Multiple water rescues were prompted as waves up to 18 m (60 feet) were forecast for Northern California’s shores.
The wharf section reportedly collapsed around 12:45 local time (LT). Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley stated that the 46 m (150 feet) long section of the pier, which fell into the ocean, had been closed to the public since January for repairs due to damage from a previous storm.
Two people were rescued by Santa Cruz County lifeguards, while one person managed to exit the water alone, according to the fire department. Three city personnel were on the pier inspecting its safety during the ongoing coastal storm when the collapse occurred.
No injuries were reported, and all three personnel who were on the wharf were accounted for, according to Mayor Keeley.
Further south, Santa Cruz County authorities confirmed that a man died at Sunset State Beach after being trapped beneath washed-up debris by a large wave. A second person remained missing after entering the water at Marina State Beach in Monterey County on Monday afternoon.
The Santa Cruz Harbor has also suffered some damage with authorities sharing videos of boats flipped over at the harbor due to rough seas.
High Surf Advisories are in effect through Tuesday for the entire Pacific coast, affecting over 2.5 million people.
The high surf caused additional impacts on Monday. Shortly after 15:00 LT, the Santa Cruz office of the CHP confirmed flooding had closed several roads, including East Cliff at 9th Ave., East Cliff at Moran Lake, Marina Ave. at Aptos Beach Dr., Moosehead Dr., and Rio Del Mar at Aptos Beach Dr.
Dangerous breaking waves up to 11 m (35 feet) are expected along the Pacific coast through Tuesday, December 24, with waves up to 18 m (60 feet) forecast for Northern California.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk announced the closure of the Boardwalk, the Casino Arcade, and Neptune’s Kingdom due to current weather conditions shortly after 13:30 LT for the rest of Monday. However, the Boardwalk Bowl remained open.
Evacuations were also reported in Capitola, where flooding from the high surf closed Capitola Village as waves pushed seawater into the area. Residents were advised to shelter in place, and the Capitola Venetian Hotel was evacuated.
Read more:
References:
1 Portion of Santa Cruz Wharf collapses amid high surf with 2 people rescued – CBS News – December 23, 2024
2 Chunk of Santa Cruz Pier collapses as massive waves pound Northern California prompting water rescues – Fox Weather – December 23, 2024
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.