SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - On Thursday, the coastal town of Santa Cruz became the latest victim of the powerful storm surges and high surf pounding the Bay Area's beaches. As a result, the Santa Cruz Wharf, Main Beach, and Cowell Beach were forced to close as massive waves battered the coast and caused significant damage.

The streets along Santa Cruz's seaside were left strewn with debris and flooded due to the relentless onslaught of waves. To ensure the safety of residents and visitors, the city made the decision to close the popular Santa Cruz Wharf, Main Beach, and Cowell Beach.

At Rio Del Mar State Beach in Santa Cruz, the sandy coastline was scattered with logs, creating an unusual sight for onlookers who gathered to witness the force of Mother Nature at work. However, the scene was not limited to Rio Del Mar State Beach alone, as the iconic West Cliff was also closed between Columbia and David Way. The road, still undergoing repairs from the storms of the previous year, faced further damage from the current weather conditions.

The storm surge did not spare other coastal towns either. The Pacifica region saw a pair of crab fishers initially venturing onto Linda Mar Beach, only to promptly turn back and head home due to the hazardous surf.

High surf warnings and advisories were issued across the entire California coast, with waves projected to reach heights of up to 40 feet. Reports from the Bay Area's coastal buoys indicated waves approaching 30 feet off both the Sonoma County coast and Monterey Bay.

Meteorologists attribute the massive waves and storm surges to powerful low-pressure systems in the Pacific Ocean, which are propelling large groups of waves toward the California coast.

According to the National Weather Service, one of its buoys off Bodega Bay recorded waves up to 28 feet on Thursday morning, edging close to the previous record of 31 feet set during January's storm at the start of the year. This serves as a clear indication of the intensity of the current weather system.

Earlier in the morning, the Stinson Beach Fire Department issued an evacuation order for several neighborhoods due to the high surf. The winds and waves reached impressive proportions, prompting authorities to advise people to seek temporary safety at the Stinson Beach Community Center. However, the evacuation order was lifted in the early afternoon as the situation began to improve.

As Santa Cruz, along with other coastal areas, grapples with the aftermath of this storm, residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution and stay updated on any further developments or safety announcements.

Title: Beaches in Santa Cruz Closed as Massive Waves and Storm Surges Pummel Coastline