What's New
A pier partially collapsed on Monday, sending three people into the water, when a major storm brought large waves that wreaked havoc along the central Californian coast.
Santa Cruz Wharf, which had been undergoing a $4 million renovation project fell into the pacific around 12:45 p.m., the Associated Press reported.
Two people on the pier were rescued by lifeguards and a third swam to safety, Santa Cruz fire department said.
Pictures showed part of the pier floating away in the water, while restrooms from the end of the wharf were seen floating beyond the main beach in footage captured by KTVU.
National Weather Service (NWS) Bay Area had issued an extreme weather risk alert before the collapse, warning of potential breaking waves of up to 60 feet, "very rough" seas and "extremely dangerous" currents.
Authorities also blamed the storm for the death of a man on another Californian beach.
The man died on Sunset State Beach, about 15 miles south east of Santa Cruz Wharf, on Monday after being trapped beneath debris. Officials said the death was likely related to the high surf, KABC reported.
The Context
Some California cities ordered beachfront homes and hotels to evacuate early Monday afternoon. Forecasters have warned that storm swells would continue until noon Tuesday.
"We are anticipating that what is coming toward us is more serious than what was there this morning," Fred Keeley, mayor of the city of Santa Cruz, said on Monday.
What To Know
Head of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department Tony Elliot estimated about 150 feet of the end of the wharf fell into the water.
The three people thrown into the water were construction workers, Santa Cruz Fire Department said.
The pier had reportedly been damaged overtime by previous storms.
The office of California Governor Gavin Newsom advised residents to avoid the local area.
Its post on X, formerly Twitter, also said the governor has been briefed on the collapse and that the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services was coordinating with local officials.
On Sunset State Beach, first responders were called to the beach at around 11:30 a.m. local time. Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office believes a large wave pinned him there
The man was pronounced dead at hospital, KABC reported.
Other details, such as the man's name, were not made immediately available.
What People Are Saying
NWS Bay Area on X: "A portion of the Santa Cruz Pier has collapsed, and is floating away.
"Look at the ominous wave action on the horizon. You are risking your life, and those of the people that would need to try and save you by getting in or too close to the water."
In a separate post, the service added: "People are losing their lives along the coast today," and warned people to stay away from the water.
Newsweek has contacted the Santa Cruz Mayor's office for comment, as well as the office of California Governor Gavin Newsom via email outside of standard working hours.
What Happens Next
Santa Cruz Fire Department said conditions will remain dangerous through to noon on Tuesday, December 24.
The municipal wharf will be closed until further notice, Santa Cruz Fire Department said.
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