# The Surf’s Way, Way Up as Huge Waves Pound the California Coast

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-surfs-way-way-up-as-huge-waves-pound-the-california-coast/
- Published: 2026-11-15T04:01:59+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-15T09:25:01+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Times (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/11/14/weather/california-coast-waves-high-surf.html
- Topics: Entertainment, TV, World

## Key points

- Waves topped 50 feet at Mavericks.
- Officials warned people to stay away from beaches and water.
- Santa Cruz closed beaches and warned about 270 homes.

## Summary

The largest waves in nearly two years battered California’s coast on Saturday, prompting warnings about dangerous surf and possible flooding. Officials urged people to keep away from the water as waves damaged or threatened coastal infrastructure and made conditions unsafe for most surfers.

A powerful swell, generated by strong winds far across the Pacific, brought waves above 40 feet to exposed Northern California beaches and more than 50 feet, perhaps nearing 60, at Mavericks. Santa Cruz closed its beaches through Sunday and issued evacuation warnings for about 270 homes; by midday, some roads were closed, but there were no evacuation orders. The surf was the region’s biggest since December 2024, when waves tore apart the municipal wharf.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.