Waves as high as 25 feet are relentlessly pounding the West Coast, causing widespread damage and flooding from southern Oregon to Los Angeles. The combination of powerful cyclones in the North Pacific and higher-than-normal tides has created treacherous conditions along the coastline.

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles has described this event as an "exceptional high-surf and coastal flooding event that has not occurred in many years." Although there has been some improvement in the conditions on Friday, forecasters are anticipating the arrival of a second giant swell on Saturday, which will escalate the danger once again.

Emergency responders have already conducted numerous rescues of individuals caught in the ocean in Southern California. Ariel Cohen, the meteorologist in charge at the Weather Service's Los Angeles office, has emphasized the potentially deadly conditions and urged everyone to stay away from the water and be prepared for coastal flooding.

High-surf warnings, ranging between 15 to 25 feet, remain in effect until Saturday for beaches in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. Additionally, San Diego and Orange counties are expected to experience waves up to 15 feet over the weekend.

To compound the situation, climate change could be a contributing factor to the higher seas. Experts suggest that sea level rise, possibly due to the ongoing strong El Niño, may be one of the causes of the inundation seen in parts of California. The combination of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and mountain snow will exacerbate the flooding, adding to the challenges faced by communities already recovering from recent flood events.

Coastal communities are urged to start planning for the response and necessary changes to combat future damaging wave events. According to the Coastal Commission, sea levels in California are projected to rise nearly 2 feet by 2050, which will only intensify future flooding and storm surge. Some cities have begun implementing adaptive measures such as building sea walls, replenishing eroding beaches, and even relocating vulnerable property owners.

While acknowledging the limited options available, Donne Brownsey, a previous chair of the California Coastal Commission, emphasizes the importance of proactive planning to address the growing threat. Adapting to changing conditions will be crucial in mitigating the impact of these dangerous waves and coastal flooding.

As the West Coast braces for another round of high surf and coastal flooding, authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and stay informed about the evolving weather conditions.