At least eight people were injured Thursday after a “rogue” wave crashed into the California coastline.
A series of videos shared on social media showed the moment a series of waves, one of which was particularly massive, swamped the shorelines of California just days after Christmas. At least eight people were hospitalized after one wave overwhelmed the promenade in Ventura, footage of which was shared by the Ventura County Fire Department.
#HighSurf – Watch when a rogue wave hits the beach at the end of Seward Ave in the City of Ventura. This occurred during the high surf advisory at high tide. Because of this wave eight people were transported to local hospitals. Currently the beaches are closed in Ventura County… pic.twitter.com/VlRlgRLhpn
— VCFD PIO (@VCFD_PIO) December 29, 2023
A rogue wave is a large, unexpected, and dangerous type of swell, sometimes called “killer” or “monster waves,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The wave in Ventura, seen below from a different angle, led to beach closures throughout the area due to the destruction it caused.
WATCH: Large wave hits Ventura, California, injuring 8 people pic.twitter.com/f9SRLFocxf
— BNO News (@BNONews) December 29, 2023
Higher up the coast in Santa Cruz, another wave rushed throughout one restaurant patio, according to the Sacramento Bee. The county subsequently issued warnings for those living along coastal areas that they should prepare to evacuate if necessary.
Video shows Pacific Ocean wave surge inundating #SantaCruz parking lot, restaurant patio. #storm #CAwx #Aptos #pebblebeach #California
Here’s the story:https://t.co/iwcH4Bqc5H pic.twitter.com/m1cDU8u8Am— David Caraccio (@DavidCaraccio) December 28, 2023
The National Weather Service issued high surf advisories for the area, flood advisories in Carmel, and told people to “stay AWAY from the water!” The latter post was accompanied by a video of two children being wiped out by a huge wave in Santa Cruz, but they seemed to enjoy the experience.
This video is a prime example of why we urge people to stay AWAY from the water! Waves can EASILY knock people down and sweep them away.
Use extreme caution! These waves are breaking at 28-33′ and can easily breach the tops of low cliffs or seawalls like those seen here. #CAwx https://t.co/iN2dzUfaoX
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) December 28, 2023
A forecast earlier in the week warned people of “extremely large northwest swells” hitting coastal zones from Northern California all the way down to the border, with potential wave heights of 12 to 18 feet. (RELATED: Timeline On The Next Deadly Natural Disaster Just Got A Major Update)
The latest bout of rough weather comes just one year after winter storms flooded California, killing at least 20 people, and causing million of dollars of damage.