Huge waves, some towering up to 25 feet high, have relentlessly slammed the West Coast, causing widespread damage along California's coastline.
The high tide began on Thursday, soaking shores as far as Los Angeles and littering roads in southern Oregon with debris.
The powerful cyclones swirling over the North Pacific are teaming up with exceptionally high tides, resulting in hazardous waves and flooding. The National Weather Service in Los Angeles labelled it an unprecedented event, a rare combination not witnessed for many years.
Although conditions eased slightly on Friday, the Weather Service remains vigilant, anticipating another surge of dangerous waves on Saturday.
Emergency responders have already rescued multiple individuals from the ocean in Southern California. Ariel Cohen from the Weather Service urged caution, citing the potentially fatal conditions at beaches and advising everyone to steer clear of the water.
Warnings for waves reaching 15 to 25 feet persist along the coastline of several counties, while coastal flood alerts are in effect for various areas until Saturday and Monday, signalling the continued risk of flooding.
Experts suggest that climate change might be amplifying these alarming sea levels. Daniel Swain, a UCLA climate scientist, highlighted on social media that rising sea levels contribute to the inundation witnessed in parts of California.
Adding to the concern, rain is forecast for parts of the state, aggravating the ongoing flooding. Meteorologists anticipate heavy rain, thunderstorms, and snow in the northern regions on Friday, with potential snowfall of 12 to 18 inches in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Southern California might also witness wet weather and a chance of rain through New Year's Day.
This latest wave of destruction arrives as coastal communities, still reeling from previous flooding episodes, now face a renewed threat. Capitola, recovering from damage caused by a bomb cyclone in January, once again bore the brunt of the relentless waves, impacting waterfront businesses.
As California braces for the onslaught of waves and potential flooding, authorities advise residents to exercise extreme caution, prepare for the worst, and stay updated with the latest weather advisories to ensure their safety and well-being.
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