Massive waves and coastal flooding wreaked havoc in many coastal California communities for a third day, with extreme conditions threatening lives, washing away cars and injuring several excited spectators, CNN reported.

Unusually high waves, often reaching more than 20 feet, closed beaches along the California coast and covered several streets, homes and coastal businesses with destructive curtains of water.

In hard-hit Ventura County, waves covered levees and pushed parked cars down streets and onto major intersections, blocking the way for rescuers, Fire Capt. Brian McGrath said. The flood at a local hotel also damaged all rooms on the first floor, he said.

High water and dangerous rip currents have surrounded much of the West Coast since Thursday, from southern California to Oregon, as a series of powerful storms made landfall from the Pacific Ocean.

Although the danger to Northern California residents will ease on Saturday, coastal areas of Central and Southern California will continue to experience extreme waves that could reach nearly 7 meters in affected areas. Some waves hitting the Gulf of California area could reach a peak of 12 meters – about the size of a power pole – while others are expected to reach 8 to 10 meters.

Strong waves and strong winds will hit the southern Oregon coast early Saturday morning. High wave warnings are in effect for the region until Saturday morning, when waves of up to 8 meters are expected.

Curious onlookers and excited surfers were enthralled by the impressive waves, but local authorities are urging people to stay away from the water and beaches due to potentially life-threatening conditions. “Vulnerable beaches, piers, harbors should NOT be considered safe,” the National Weather Service in Los Angeles said.

Ventura County officials have closed all beaches until New Year’s Day because waves of up to 20 feet are expected to hit the coast by Saturday evening. On Saturday, the county with Hermosa, Manhattan and Palos Verdes beaches saw the highest waves and the risk of significant coastal flooding. “We know the waves look spectacular and we understand the motivation of some people to come here to see them. But we ask people to stay away and stay away from the area for their safety and ours,” authorities said.

Ventura EMS rescued 10 people Friday who thought they could ride those high waves, a fire captain said. Also, two onlookers on the beach helped to pull a lifeguard out of the water, who was struggling to reach the shore, after he saved a person near the pier.

In the first wave of strong waves Thursday, nearly 20 people were swept away by a wave that crashed into a cliff railing that was full of spectators in the Pierpont area of ​​Ventura Beach, officials said. Eight victims were taken to the hospital. “It was terrifying and apocalyptic,” said Colin Hogue, who filmed people trying to escape as the huge wave crashed over the railing. The swift sea water swept away some people and caught cars as drivers tried to drive away. “People were yelling and screaming. I ran as fast as I could,” Hogue said.

One of the storms that produced these waves will also bring rain and wind to California through Saturday. The rain will move inland and into southern California before easing over the Rockies on Sunday. Further inland, a mix of wintry precipitation will fall in areas of central and eastern California. (Source: News.ro)