Santa Cruz is grappling with significant damage and loss after a powerful storm unleashed massive waves on Monterey Bay, killing one person, leaving another missing, and causing extensive destruction, including the partial collapse of the city’s historic wharf. The storm’s aftermath has prompted urgent discussions about climate resilience and the challenges of protecting coastal communities in a changing world.
Waves Cause Catastrophic Damage
The storm, fueled by hurricane-force winds far offshore, brought waves towering over 40 feet high to the Central Coast. The violent surf battered the Santa Cruz coastline, tearing apart beaches, scattering hazardous debris, and forcing closures across the area. A public restroom once perched on the wharf was seen floating along the coast as officials scrambled to assess the extent of the destruction.
The wharf, a structure more than 100 years old, suffered catastrophic damage when its outermost section collapsed into the ocean. That section was under construction at the time, and three workers, including a city employee and two contractors, were swept into the water. Lifeguards rescued two individuals, while the third managed to get to safety independently.
“This isn’t what we thought was going to happen, but we were prepared,” Santa Cruz Fire Division Chief Ryan Reber said, emphasizing the severity of the event.
Lives Lost and Missing Amid the Chaos
The storm’s force led to tragic consequences. At Sunset State Beach, a man was pinned under debris by the high surf. Emergency crews worked to free him, but he later died at the hospital. Meanwhile, at Marina State Beach, 15 miles away, another man was swept into the ocean by powerful waves. Witnesses reported seeing him overcome by the surf but were unable to assist due to the dangerous conditions. Rescue teams searched the area by air and sea, but worsening weather forced them to abandon the effort. The man remains missing, and authorities have not released the identities of either victim.
High Surf Warnings and Widespread Closures
The National Weather Service issued a high surf warning for the region, covering Santa Cruz, Point Reyes, San Francisco, and northern Monterey Bay. Officials warned residents to avoid beaches, piers, and marinas until conditions improve, citing life-threatening hazards such as sudden waves and powerful currents. Coastal Ventura and Los Angeles counties also experienced high surf, with waves peaking at 18 feet and 12 feet, respectively.
“Large waves can sweep across the beach without warning, pulling people into the sea,” the National Weather Service cautioned. “Even the most experienced swimmers are at risk of cold water shock.”
Preparing for Future Challenges
While Santa Cruz officials were prepared for the high surf forecast, the scale of the destruction exceeded expectations. The city had been working on long-term repairs to the wharf, with plans to complete renovations by March 2025. The damage caused by this storm, however, underscores the ongoing vulnerability of the region to extreme weather.
Assistant City Manager Michelle Templeton pointed to the broader issue of climate change, which she said is increasing the frequency and severity of storms and contributing to rising sea levels. “Our wharf being over 100 years old requires regular maintenance to ensure safety,” Templeton said. “But Mother Nature holds the cards, and these west swells are growing more severe.”
Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for long-term planning. “We need to have a sober conversation about what it means to be a coastal community in the era of climate change,” Keeley said. “Do we rebuild and hope for the best, or do we rethink our approach to protecting our city?”
A Community in Recovery
The violent storm has left Santa Cruz shaken but determined to rebuild. Emergency crews remain vigilant as waves continue to batter the coast, with the high surf warning set to expire by Tuesday evening. In the coming weeks, city officials will work to repair damaged infrastructure, reopen beaches, and plan for the challenges ahead.
While Christmas Day is expected to bring clear skies and calmer conditions, the storm’s impact is a stark reminder of the power of nature and the growing urgency of climate adaptation. For now, Santa Cruz is focused on recovery, even as it faces critical questions about how to protect its future.
