Powerful Storm Slams California’s Central Coast, Leaving One Dead and Causing Extensive Damage
A section of a pier collapsed into the ocean and drifted away in California on December 23, 2024, as a fierce storm swept through the region, according to weather authorities. Lifeguards rescued two individuals from the waters near Santa Cruz after the structure broke apart, while a third person managed to escape on their own, firefighters reported.
The storm wreaked havoc along the central coast on Monday, triggering flooding and dangerous surf that claimed the life of a man trapped beneath debris on a beach. The intense weather also caused a partial collapse of the Santa Cruz Wharf, hurling three people into the ocean.
Widespread Storm Impacts
Forecasters warned of hurricane-force winds and waves as high as 60 feet (18 meters) as the storm intensified from California to the Pacific Northwest. Coastal cities, including Santa Cruz, evacuated beachfront properties and hotels early Monday as conditions worsened.
By late Monday, the National Weather Service extended a coastal flood warning until Tuesday noon and a high surf warning until 6 p.m.
Fred Keeley, Mayor of Santa Cruz, voiced concerns about escalating storm conditions. “We anticipate what’s coming will be even more severe than what we experienced this morning,” he said.
Fatalities and Missing Persons
In Watsonville, first responders arrived at Sunset State Beach Monday morning after a man became trapped under debris, reportedly pinned by a large wave. He was pronounced dead at a hospital, though his identity has not been released.
Around noon, another man was swept into the ocean at Marina State Beach, 13 miles (21 kilometers) south of Watsonville. Despite extensive air and sea searches by the Coast Guard and Highway Patrol, worsening conditions forced authorities to call off the operation. The man remained missing as of Monday evening.
Santa Cruz Wharf Collapse
The Santa Cruz Wharf partially collapsed around 12:45 p.m., taking three individuals into the water. Two were rescued by lifeguards, while the third swam to safety. Fortunately, none suffered serious injuries.
Officials confirmed the damaged portion of the wharf had been undergoing a $4 million renovation following last winter’s storms. Approximately 150 feet (45 meters) of the structure broke away, carrying public restrooms and the closed Dolphin restaurant into the ocean. The debris floated about half a mile down the coast before becoming lodged at the mouth of the San Lorenzo River.
Mayor Keeley described the remnants of the pier’s pilings in the ocean as "serious hazards" to marine navigation, noting that each piling weighed hundreds of pounds and was propelled by powerful waves.
Broader Coastal Impacts
Farther north, the central Oregon coast and southwestern Washington also faced treacherous surf conditions, with waves reaching up to 30 feet (9.1 meters) and winds peaking near 80 mph (130 kph). Portland’s National Weather Service office described the event as some of the most significant surf activity of the winter.
Building inspectors are now assessing the structural integrity of the remaining portions of the Santa Cruz Wharf, which will remain closed indefinitely.
Officials continue to urge residents to avoid venturing near the ocean as the storm persists, citing life-threatening conditions and the risk to rescuers