High surf updates: Marin County evacuations lifted, flood advisory extended

Alex Baker
·3 min read
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(KRON) — A high surf warning is in effect today and will last through 3 a.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS is warning of “very dangerous waves” up to 28 to 33 feet, with 40-foot waves possible in some locations.

“The ocean is NOT your friend today!” said the NWS on X, formerly Twitter.

Areas of Santa Cruz County coastline experiencing flooding, evacuation warning

The weather service is advising people to stay away from rocks, jetties, piers and other waterside infrastructure. A very high swell coming from west-northwest will create hazardous beach conditions, the NWS said.

West facing beaches could see breaking waves of 28 to 33 feet.

The NWS advises:

  • Stay off rocks and jetties

  • Stay out of and away from the water

  • Never turn your back on the ocean!

  • Keep pets on a leash and away from the water

Follow our live blog for the latest updates:

1:26 p.m. — Flood advisory extended to 4 p.m.

A flood advisory for the Bay Area is now in effect until 4 p.m. The National Weather Service warns of minor flooding, flooding of highways, streets and underpasses.

1:20 p.m. — Marin County evacuation orders lifted

All evacuation orders ands warnings for the Stinson Beach area have been lifted, according to the Marin County website.

“Residents may return home, but avoid flooded areas,” the county advised.

11:12 a.m. — Santa Cruz County evacuation warning extended to Pajaro Dunes

Santa Cruz County has extended an evacuation warning to the Pajaro Dunes area in addition to the area near Seacliff State Beach on Thursday morning, county officials said. Pajaro Dunes has been placed in an evacuation warning and residents should prepare for a possible evacuation if necessary.

Evacuation warnings have been issued for zones CTL-E048 and CRZ-E070 because of large breaking waves and high tides causing safety threats along the coast. Residents can see if their zone is under a warning or evacuation order by visiting community.zonehaven.com.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning for the Central and Northern California coastline that is in effect until 3 a.m. Friday. Santa Cruz County officials earlier Thursday advised residents to avoid various coastal areas, saying there is flooding along East Cliff Drive as well as the Rio Del Mar Esplanade.

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10:40 a.m. — Stinson Beach evacuation point established

A temporary evacuation point has been established at Stinson Beach Community Center at 32 Belvedere Avenue in Stinson Beach.

10:38 a.m. — Santa Cruz closures

The City of Santa Cruz has issued an urgent coastal advisory. High surf and safety measures are in place.

  • Santa Cruz Wharf is closed

  • Main Beach and Cowell Beach are closed

  • West Cliff will be closed between Columbia Street and David Way

10:30 a.m. — High surf warning, coastal flood warning remain in effect

A high surf warning remains in effect until 3 a.m. Friday with waves of 28 to 33 feet possible at the coast. The NWS advises using extreme caution and staying away from the water.

A coastal flood warning issued earlier today also remains in effect until 3 p.m.

10:10 a.m. — Evacuation orders issued for Stinson Beach area

Stinson Beach Fire has issued an evacuation order for the following areas:

  • Calles Pinos

  • Pradero

  • Sierra

  • Onda Resaca

  • Ribera

  • Embarcadero

  • Sections of Calle Del Arroyo

The evacuations are due to high surf and storm surge. Community members are instructed to evacuate immediately.

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