Storm Surge/Tide — Santa Cruz, California

1999-10-28 to 1999-10-29 · near Capitola, Santa Cruz, California

Wider weather episode

15 foot swell in association with a relatively high tide produced waves as high as 40 feet which broke trough the seawall in Capitola and flooded low lying streets and businesses. A number of boats were ripped from their moorings and washed ashore or sunk. A 20 male surfer was drowned when he was caught in the huge surf. A number of other receive minor injuries. The Capitola Pier was closed for the first time anyone can remember because the waves were breaking up through the decking of the pier. The large swell had resulted from a storm that had stalled of the coast and built up a long fetch.the second fatality was on the Lovers Point area of Pacific Grove. A young honeymoon couple were on the beach when a wave estimated at 25 feet swept themout to sea. the woman 23 perished but here husband survived with only minor injuries.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5724734. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.