Ventura County, located in Southern California, issued a temporary evacuation warning on Saturday for coastal residents due to the high surf that had been pounding the West Coast throughout the week. The powerful waves, which had reached heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters), were forecasted to hit a stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway. County officials urged people to avoid coastal areas and warned that the waves could pose a threat to both property and personal safety.

In response to the dangerous conditions, large sand berms were put up on Friday to protect waterfront homes in the city of Ventura. People who had gathered at Pierpont Beach in Ventura were cautioned not to venture beyond these barriers. Additionally, certain streets were closed off to ensure the safety of residents.

Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder described the surf as an "extraordinary event," noting that he had never witnessed anything like it during his 14 years in the city. The fire department spokesperson, Andy VanSciver, reported that there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries on Saturday. However, the evacuation warning would remain in place until the waves receded.

Earlier in the week, authorities had already rescued eight individuals who were injured by the powerful surf. Elsewhere along the California coast, flooding had led to the closure of some streets and bike paths. In the San Francisco Bay Area, a high surf warning had been downgraded to an advisory as wave heights began to decline. Despite the risks, some surfers took advantage of the large waves in Seal Beach, located about 30 miles (45 kilometers) south of Los Angeles.

The extraordinary waves were the result of powerful swells generated by Pacific storms. To protect beachfront homes in Ventura, bulldozers had constructed giant sand berms. Miles Malohn, a 23-year-old surfer from Irvine, described the swell as one of the largest he had seen in years. He emphasized the need for caution, stating that surfers had to be selective in choosing which waves to ride to avoid injury or wipeouts.

As of Saturday afternoon, the evacuation warning in Ventura County had been lifted, indicating that the surf was beginning to calm down. However, authorities advised residents to remain vigilant and stay updated on any further developments. The National Weather Service continued to monitor the situation and urged individuals to conserve energy across coastal waters.

Overall, the high surf had caused disruptions and concerns along the California coast, but no significant damage or injuries had been reported thus far. The extraordinary nature of the waves had left many residents and surfers in awe, highlighting the power and unpredictability of the ocean.