Waves approaching 50 feet are expected at Mavericks, the famous big wave spot south of San Francisco, today, Nov. 14, as a powerful swell peaks along the Northern and Central California coast. Santa Cruz County issued evacuation warnings for several low lying coastal neighborhoods, and beaches from Del Norte County to Big Sur are closed. At the same time, some of the world’s best big wave surfers are racing toward the danger.
The National Weather Service warned of breaking waves of 25 to 35 feet at most beaches, with bigger sets possible at exposed spots. A second large swell is expected Sunday night into Monday.
Where are the Santa Cruz County evacuation warnings?
Capitola police issued an evacuation warning for Capitola Village because of dangerous surf and coastal flooding. They urged residents to consider leaving now and warned that emergency crews could take longer to arrive.
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office issued warnings for Potbelly Beach, New Brighton State Beach and its campground, the Las Olas neighborhood, Beach Drive in Rio Del Mar and Platform Beach. The sheriff’s office told residents not to wait for conditions to get worse before deciding to go. A coastal flood advisory runs through 6 p.m. Saturday.
Which California beaches are closed this weekend?
Santa Cruz closed all city beaches and the Santa Cruz Wharf starting at 10 p.m. Friday through early Sunday. State Parks closed parking lots and beach areas at Seacliff, Rio Del Mar and Waddell Beach…