Posted on 12/21/2005 2:16:07 PM PST by BurbankKarl
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(CBS) LOS ANGELES Large waves damaged the Venice Pier Wednesday and caused some minor coastal flooding, while lifeguards kept busy making sure surfers were keeping their heads above water.
Waves up to about 15 feet are predicted for west-facing beaches Wednesday afternoon.
The Venice Pier, which was rebuilt in 1997, was closed as a precaution this morning, but Wednesday's pounding waves damaged the structure, according to Los Angeles County lifeguards Capt. Terry Harvey said. The extent of the damage was still being assessed, Harvey said.
Piers in Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Santa Monica were also shut down, Harvey said.
Thus far, there have been no reports of surf-related injuries.
In Orange County, a surfer reportedly broke a leg near the Seal Beach Pier, and dozens of people flocked to the beach areas to catch a glimpse of the waves.
Harvey said some minor flooding was reported in a parking lot in El Segundo, and several surf rescues were made this morning in the Palos Verdes and Venice areas.
"High tide was at 11:50 (a.m.), so there should be less of a chance of flooding this afternoon," Harvey said shortly after noon.
The waves crashed just below beach-front homes in Malibu, and left part of the beach bike path in Venice covered in sand. Several small boats were pushed ashore near Marina del Rey.
The National Weather Service's high-surf advisory is to remain in effect until 3 p.m. Thursday.
Harvey advised beachgoers to stay out of the water, and to stay off of exposed rocks, jetties and piers, which can flood suddenly.
Authorities warned that the rip-current potential was high, and swimming conditions were expected to be dangerous.
WOW! I heard the waves were gonna be big, my mom lives close to MDR, any pic's?
Click the link..there is a video
My oldest took the day to hit Sunset Cliffs. He's gonna get his lunch eaten.
Spectators line the bluff at La Jolla Cove to get a good look at the large surf in San Diego, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2005. A large Pacific storm near Hawaii is expected produce waves up to 18 feet at beaches in Southern California.
San Diego lifeguards on a jet-ski rescue a surfer, right, after he lost his board in large surf and got caught near the rocks at La Jolla Cove in San Diego, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2005. A large pacific storm near Hawaii is expected to produce waves up to 18 feet at beaches in Southern California.
Sunset Cliffs, particularly the outer reefs ie 33's & Chasms, should be one of the few places that can hold this swell. All of Carlsbad, including the local reefs, are overwhelmed. Swamis was holding up pretty good this AM but now blown out & more closed out with the onshore winds picking up at lunchtime. I've not yet seen how La Jolla Cove is doing but that's the kind of outer reef in mid-SD county that should be doing well though I see Black's is pretty much closed out, too.
I just watched the video that is unbelievable, I heard San Diego beaches were getting 18 to 20 feet waves.
It's pretty warm and windy today
I wonder how high the Cortes Banks are breaking right now?
18-20 ? nah, 8-10/12 + sets, sure.
I'd imagine (since I've never surfed there except through the magic of video) Cortes Banks should be 50'
It really depends on the wind at Cortez Bank. Even alittle wind can make it unsurfable. And then there is the whole getting there in 20' swell.
Lots of helicopters out in the P.V. area this morning. The waves are huge.
SD Tribune says 18 ft at La Jolla Cove will have to watch the local TV coverage about it..I am in Vista between Carlsbad and Oceanside maybe I should go take a look!
IS that the Venice Pier?
That is Ocean Beach?
Ooooo, pretty. Thanks for the screen cap, Karl. I should go down to Redondo Beach this afternoon to see the Pacific acting up a little. I really, really do want to move out of California, but I'd have to take the Pacific with me. ;-)
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