Strong storms are threatening lives on the US West Coast. There is at least one dead. In Santa Cruz, south of San Francisco, part of the pier broke off. In addition to the high surf, significant rain is expected.
Storms with high waves and raging floods have claimed the life of at least one man on the US West Coast. He was buried on a beach under washed-up debris, media reported, citing the sheriff's office in Santa Cruz County, south of San Francisco. Although he was able to be freed, he was then pronounced dead in the hospital.
Man caught in surf
In the nearby town of Marina, a man was hit by the surf and dragged into the sea, police said. Rescue attempts failed due to “extremely high waves” and strong currents. The man is now missing and the search work was initially interrupted due to the dangerous conditions.
The weather service for the San Francisco Bay Area in northern California had warned of “dangerous and life-threatening” conditions on all beaches along the Pacific Coast with very high surf and rough seas until today.
Several people fall into the water on a collapsing pier
In Santa Cruz, part of the pier broke off due to strong surf. It “collapsed and is floating away,” said the US weather service NWS and published a video from the scene after the collapse.
According to local media reports, three people were on the end of the jetty when it fell into the sea. Two of them were rescued, the third was able to free himself. According to reports, no one was seriously injured. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been notified of the collapse and is coordinating assistance with local authorities, his office said.
Floods and landslides possible
In addition to the high surf on the coast, the weather service expects significant rainfall in the area. There is a possibility of minor flooding and landslides. The storm was expected to bring rain to many areas – even the usually dry area around Los Angeles in southern California. Snowfall was forecast for the mountainous areas.
