Crime & Safety
Sheriff Urges Evacuation As 3-Story Waves Take Aim At Santa Cruz Coast
An evacuation warning was issued for low coastal areas. "Residents should not wait for conditions to worsen before considering leaving."
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office issued an evacuation warning Friday for low-lying coastal areas as forecasters said monumental waves were moving toward land.
Residents in the area of Las Olas Drive and Beach Drive, and Pot Belly Beach Road, were "strongly encouraged to consider evacuating until conditions have improved," the Sheriff's Office said.
SEE ALSO: Monster Waves Up To 50 Feet Threaten Bay Area Coast As Storms Arrive
Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Waves heights reached 34.1 feet -- about the height of a three-story building -- at a buoy west of San Francisco, the National Weather Service said.
The waves, passing the buoy about every 19 seconds, were expected to arrive overnight, forecasters said.
Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Large waves have the potential to reach coastal homes and properties, causing dangerous flooding and making access to affected areas difficult or unsafe," the Sheriff's Office said.
Deputies said emergency response may be delayed or unavailable if waves reach homes, impact roadways, or otherwise restrict emergency access.
"Residents should not wait for conditions to worsen before considering leaving," the Sheriff's Office said.
The Weather Service said members of the public should stay off beaches Saturday.
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