This browser does not support the Video element.
Santa Cruz beaches to close because of dangerous high surf
Santa Cruz officials on Friday shut down the beaches through the weekend because of dangerous high surf.
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - The city of Santa Cruz announced it will close all beaches and the Santa Cruz Wharf through the weekend because of dangerous high surf.
Weekend beach closure
Timeline:
The closure will begin on Friday at 10 p.m. through Sunday at 5 a.m., contingent on the weather.
The National Weather Service has issued a high surf warning, with breaking waves potentially reaching 25 to 35 feet along portions of the coast.
Timeline of the rainstorms and dangerous waves that will hit the Bay Area
Rain returns to the Bay Area on Friday with a dangerous surf building for Saturday.
"Our first priority is keeping our community safe, and we ask everyone to make safety their priority, too," Santa Cruz Fire Chief Rob Oatey said in a statement. "Entering the water or approaching hazardous coastal areas puts not only your life at risk, but also the lives of the marine safety personnel who may be called upon to rescue you. Please respect these closures and give the ocean the space it demands."
The city is urging residents and visitors to stay away from beaches, coastal access points, rocks, and other areas exposed to high surf.
Santa Cruz officials said they will continue monitoring conditions over the weekend and will provide updates if closures need to be extended or modified.
The Source: Information for this story comes from the city of Santa Cruz.