Deadly surf and tornadoes disrupt US holidays
Winter storms wreaked havoc across the United States over the holiday season, bringing deadly surf conditions to the West Coast and reports of tornadoes in Texas, while parts of the East Coast experienced a snow-dusted Christmas. The severe weather caused significant damage, injuries, and travel delays, leaving many residents on high alert.
California faced treacherous surf conditions, with waves reaching heights of 30 feet (9.1 meters) in some areas. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a high surf advisory for the entire West Coast through Sunday, warning of “life-threatening conditions” for swimmers and urging the public to avoid jetties, piers, and other waterside infrastructure.
The hazardous surf has already claimed at least one life. A man was found under debris along the California coast, prompting officials to urge vigilance and remind beachgoers to “never turn your back on the ocean.” In Santa Cruz, strong waves caused a wharf to collapse earlier this week, underscoring the destructive power of the storms.
Rescue operations and daily life across the United States have been severely impacted by the relentless winter storms sweeping the nation. In Marina, California, efforts to locate a man who was swept out to sea had to be called off as rescue crews faced treacherous conditions. The high surf and stormy weather made air and sea searches too dangerous to continue. Meanwhile, farther north, the states of Washington and Oregon remain under heavy surf advisories. The National Weather Service (NWS) has cautioned residents in these areas about ongoing hazardous conditions, emphasizing the potential for life-threatening scenarios along the coastline.
In Texas, the storm system brought a different kind of turmoil. Tornado sightings were reported on Thursday, including one near El Campo, a small town about an hour from Houston. Emergency Management Coordinator Jimmy George witnessed the tornado from a distance while traveling on a highway. Local officials confirmed damage to three barns but fortunately reported no injuries. The NWS had issued earlier warnings for thunderstorms and tornado potential in southeast Texas, but not all sightings have been officially verified. The severe weather also disrupted air travel, with over 100 flights delayed at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. The storms serve as a stark reminder of the varied and unpredictable impacts of extreme weather events.
Amid the chaos, the East Coast enjoyed a more picturesque holiday. New York City experienced its first “white Christmas” since 2009, with more than an inch of snow covering the ground. While the snowfall caused minor disruptions on roadways, it brought festive cheer to many residents.
However, not all areas escaped unscathed. In Morris County, New Jersey, a large sinkhole opened near the I-80 highway, leading to significant traffic delays. Authorities worked through the holiday to address the issue and ensure public safety.
As the storm system moved eastward, the NWS predicted conditions would begin to improve by Thursday night. However, the impacts of the severe weather serve as a stark reminder of nature’s power. From deadly waves on the West Coast to tornado threats in Texas, Americans across the country faced a challenging holiday season.
Officials continue to monitor conditions and urge residents to exercise caution as cleanup and recovery efforts begin.