Ventura, Calif. - Large waves continue to pound the Southern California coast, posing a significant risk of flooding and creating treacherous conditions for those entering the ocean. The National Weather Service (NWS) has reported waves reaching up to 16 feet in Los Angeles County, prompting concerns for public safety and the potential for coastal damage.

Several beach communities in Ventura have experienced flooding, with streets submerged under several feet of water, leaving multiple vehicles stranded. Lifeguards have been busy performing numerous rescues, as unsuspecting onlookers who gathered to watch the large waves from the sand found themselves unexpectedly caught up in the powerful and relentless waves.

Video footage captured the harrowing moment when a lifeguard, exhausted from battling the strong currents, required assistance from bystanders to be pulled to safety. Another video revealed a massive rogue wave breaching a low wall in Ventura, causing panic among onlookers who were swept up by the sudden rush of water. Eight people have been treated at local hospitals for injuries sustained during the incident.

Residents living in affected communities cannot recall witnessing waves of this magnitude in recent memory. Brian Scott, a Ventura resident, expressed his astonishment, stating, "The waves were big. These were 15+ foot waves this morning at high tide. Never seen that. We've been here for 10 years."

Javier Cedillo, a local resident, described the experience, saying, "It was like the Japanese tsunami that happened a couple of years ago. Normally, you would see the tide come in and go out smoothly, but this one just kept coming."

The powerful waves have also caused significant damage to a hotel in Ventura, with the first floor affected and utilities currently unavailable. Fortunately, there were no guests staying at the hotel during the incident.

The NWS has upgraded the high surf advisory issued for Los Angeles County beaches to a high surf warning, with waves expected to range from 8 to 13 feet, and isolated sets possibly reaching 20 feet. Forecasters have warned of the extremely dangerous conditions, including life-threatening rip currents and potential damage to coastal structures such as piers and jetties. These hazardous conditions are anticipated to persist into Friday, with another strong wave front expected on Saturday.

West-facing beaches such as Hermosa, Manhattan, and Palos Verdes are expected to experience the highest surf. Additionally, a coastal flooding advisory has been issued for Los Angeles County beaches, including the Malibu coast and Catalina Island, until 10 p.m. Saturday. Vulnerable low-lying coastal areas, such as parking lots, beaches, and walkways, are likely to experience flooding during high tide.

Orange County is also under a high surf warning and coastal flood advisory until 2 a.m. Monday. Forecasters predict waves of 6 to 12 feet, with sets potentially reaching up to 15 feet in northern Orange County.

In terms of weather, the NWS forecasts the possibility of light to moderate rain on Friday night into Saturday, with a chance of light rain on Sunday. There is a slight chance of rain in Pasadena on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, coinciding with the Rose Parade along Colorado Boulevard.