weatherneutral

California Storm: A Pier Collapses, Lives Lost

Santa Cruz, USATuesday, December 24, 2024

A powerful storm hit California's central coast on Monday, causing flooding and huge waves. A man died when he was trapped under debris on a beach, and a pier in Santa Cruz partially collapsed, tossing three people into the ocean. The storm was expected to bring extreme winds and waves up to 60 feet high. Santa Cruz mayor Fred Keeley warned that the worst was yet to come. The pier, which was under renovation after last winter's storms, had a section fall into the water.

Two engineers and a project manager were inspecting the pier when it collapsed. They were rescued or swam to safety. The end of the pier, including restrooms and a closed restaurant, floated down the coast and got stuck at the bottom of the San Lorenzo River. Further north, dangerous surf conditions were expected along the coast from Oregon to Washington.

washington oregon san lorenzo river california fred keeley santa cruz

Actions