Santa Cruz issues evacuation warnings as 35-foot waves threaten Central Coast
Santa Cruz County issued evacuation warnings for four coastal zones on Friday afternoon as a winter storm brings 25- to 35-foot waves to the Central Coast. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and Capitola Police Department designated specific areas, including Las Olas Drive and the Capitola wharf, for mandatory evacuation. Simultaneously, Pismo Beach closed its iconic pier from Saturday midnight to Sunday 5 a.m. due to 'dangerously large' waves. The National Weather Service has issued high surf warnings through early Sunday, with forecasts predicting breaking waves up to 35 feet and potential rip currents. While Santa Cruz enforces strict closures and evacuations, Pismo Beach remains open but under close monitoring, with officials planning to close areas as needed. The storm marks the first significant winter system of the season, with additional swells expected to extend into next week.