EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — A rogue wave hitting the beach at the end of Seward Avenue in the city of Ventura is just one example of the dangerous swell hitting the area Thursday amid a High Surf Warning at high tide.
Because of the wave, according to the Ventura County Fire Department, eight people were transported to local hospitals.
The beaches are closed in Ventura County, including the Ventura Pier. Authorities advise avoiding the area near the ocean as part of safety precautions.
#HighSurf - Watch when a rogue wave hits the beach at the end of Seward Ave in the City of Ventura. This occurred during the high surf advisory at high tide. Because of this wave eight people were transported to local hospitals. Currently the beaches are closed in Ventura County… pic.twitter.com/VlRlgRLhpn
— VCFD PIO (@VCFD_PIO) December 29, 2023
Throughout Thursday night, the Ventura County Fire Department's heavy equipment operators were reinforcing and filling in gaps to protect the community of Pierpont within the city of Ventura.
#HighSurf Throughout the night, @VCFD ’s heavy equipment operators and their dozers are reinforcing and filling in the gaps to protect the community of Pierpont, in the City of Ventura. The finished berm is about seven feet high and about a mile in length, running from San… pic.twitter.com/EFhmjgx2DI
— VCFD PIO (@VCFD_PIO) December 29, 2023
High Surf Warnings remain in effect until Saturday 10 p.m. Expect dangerous breaking waves of eight to 13 feet. Some could reach 15 to 20 feet, and rip currents will also be an issue.
Coastal flooding is also a possibility with the large waves, especially at high tide and for low-lying coastal areas.
This is a developing story and will be updated.