Casualties increase as one confirmed dead and one missing
- A significant storm on December 23, 2024, resulted in dangerous waves and flooding along California's central coast.
- The Santa Cruz Wharf partially collapsed during inspection, sending three workers into the ocean, though all were later accounted for.
- The series of events underscores the need for improved safety measures against severe weather at coastal sites.
California experienced severe weather on December 23, 2024, when a major storm wreaked havoc along the central coast, leading to flooding and dangerously high surf conditions. Tragically, a man was fatally trapped under debris on a Santa Cruz County beach, while another individual went missing in Monterey County after being swept into the ocean by high waves. Reports indicated that waves reached up to 60 feet, prompting officials to enforce a high surf warning for the coastal areas. The storm's impact was particularly devastating at the Santa Cruz Wharf, which was undergoing a $4 million renovation due to previous storm damage. On the same day, around 12:45 p.m. PT, part of the wharf partially collapsed, sending three city workers into the ocean. Fortunately, two were rescued by lifeguards, while the third managed to swim to safety. Mayor Fred Keeley expressed concern over the structural integrity of the wharf and the potential hazards posed by remaining pilings in the ocean. Rescue efforts for the missing man at Marina State Beach were suspended due to worsening weather conditions. Strong currents thwarted rescue attempts, leading authorities to declare it too dangerous to continue searching. Coastal roads around Santa Cruz were closed as the storm intensified, with officials urging residents to stay away from affected areas and remain alert to the potential for flooding. Authorities are coordinating emergency responses, with Coast Guard and police efforts mobilizing to assist those affected. This catastrophic event has raised alarms about the vulnerability of coastal structures and the risks associated with severe weather patterns, highlighting an urgent need for appropriate safety measures and infrastructure resilience in California's coastal regions.