High Surf — Ventura County Coast, California

2014-08-26 to 2014-08-27 · Ventura County Coast, California

Event narrative

Large southeast swells from Hurricane Marie generated high surf conditions along local beaches. Surf heights between 15 and 20 feet were reported at local beaches, including Port Hueneme. The swell and surf generated significant rip current activity which resulted in numerous rescues by local lifeguards. Due to the large swell and surf, local piers experienced some damage including the pier at Port Hueneme.

Wider weather episode

Hurricane Marie, which reached Category 5 status, generated a very large southeast swell that impacted the coast of Southern California with high surf, dangerous rip currents and numerous damage to piers, breakwalls and other infrastructure. Based on historical data, this particular level of surf event occurs once every 10 years, but this particular event was the most significant in the last 30 years. Surf heights between 15 and 20 feet were common at the peak of the event. At the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, initial damages estimates of $20-40 million were reported.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 536431. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.