Ventura Declares State of Emergency Amid High Surf and Dangerous Conditions (Video)
It’s been a historically epic winter season for California surfers, thus far, with plenty (almost too much) of swell in the water; for everyone else, not so much.
The enormous waves coming in back-to-back swell events, and fueled by a hyperactive El Niño weather pattern, have ignited big-wave surf spots in the Golden State, along with other wintertime haunts when it’s not unmanageably massive. But along with all that swell, comes dangerous conditions and coastal damage, too.
So much so that one California city has declared a state of emergency.
The announcement came on January 10th, and it will remain in effect for 60 days.
According to a press release regarding the state of emergency, Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder said:
"With recent damages to our iconic and historic pier, Ventura faced repair needs and additional cleanup costs caused by recent high tide events. The declaration of a local state of emergency enables us to seek essential emergency funding, expedite recovery endeavors to swiftly address damage, hasten repairs, and ensure the prompt restoration of our City's infrastructure."
Following the inundation of waves, wind, and weather on December 28th, the city of Ventura sustained major damage – including an estimated $1.75 million in repair funds needed for the pier. What’s more, eight people were injured when a rogue wave swept onto the street, swallowing the pedestrians and hospitalizing a handful for minor injuries.
Per the press release, they described the damage from that day as such:
“The winter storm began on December 28, 2023, and produced large breaking waves with life-threatening rip currents and significant coastal flooding. City staff swiftly responded to reports of flooding, roadway debris, retaining wall damage from high surf, and other hazardous conditions in public areas. Beach protective measures were implemented to mitigate tidal impacts. During the High Surf Event, the Ventura Fire Department was dispatched to 10 Ocean Rescue incidents, producing 38 individual unit responses.”
The winter season is far from over. More swells, more damage, and more dangerous conditions are to be expected. Be safe.
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