California Braces for 50-Foot Waves as First Coastwide High-Surf Warning Since 2024 Takes Effect
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Nov 14
California Braces for 50-Foot Waves as First Coastwide High-Surf Warning Since 2024 Takes Effect
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Nov 14
Summary
50-foot waves were forecast at Mavericks this weekend as a North Pacific swell driven by hurricane-force winds hit California’s coast, drawing big-wave surfers even as officials warned the public to stay back.
The National Weather Service issued its first high-surf warning since December 2024 from Mexico to Oregon through Sunday, plus coastal flood advisories from San Diego to San Francisco.
Santa Cruz closed all beaches and its wharf, and California shut beaches around the Monterey Peninsula, with forecasters warning waves could damage piers and sweep people off beaches, rocks and jetties.
Peak high tides are not coinciding with the swell, reducing immediate flood risk, but El Niño-linked Kelvin waves have already lifted West Coast tides by more than a foot and raised concern about heavier winter flooding.