Video: Dangerous waves, biggest in a decade, flood Bay Area streets and threaten homes
Chris Aceves, center, with the help of friends Natalie Nunez and David Lechuga, carries a sandbag to protect his Pacifica home from flooding caused by huge waves Saturday.
TL;DR
- The Bay Area experienced the largest waves in over a decade on Saturday, causing significant coastal flooding.
- Pacifica was severely impacted, with waves breaching seawalls and flooding city streets.
- A high surf warning was issued for life-threatening waves of 25-35 feet, with potential for 50-60 feet at specific locations.
- Significant wave heights offshore Point Reyes reached up to 31 feet, the second largest in three decades.
- Authorities closed coastal roads and beaches, urging spectators to stay at a safe distance from the powerful ocean.
- Residents reported flood damage to personal belongings and homes, with some infrastructure struggling to cope.
- The conditions were considered unusual for November, with larger waves typically arriving later in winter.
- Experts attribute the large waves to El Niño-driven changes in storm paths and climate change contributing to rising sea levels.
- The energy of waves increases exponentially with height, meaning larger waves cause much more damage.