Beachlovers crowd southern California beaches for giant waves
- 10 years ago
Surf's up in the US.
Giant waves as large as six metres -- caused by hurricane Marie began hitting the Southern California coast, drawing spectators and surfers.
But the surf is also dangerous and has made challenging work for life guards.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) SEAL BEACH POLICE CHIEF JOE STILINOVICH
"I have never seen waves this big in Seal beach.. I swim in the ocean regularly, never this big, I wouldn't go out there."
Hundreds of people have been plucked from the sea in Los Angeles and Orange Country.
There's also been damage and flooding as Marie moved north.
Here in Catalina Island, these pictures show boats and vehicles stacked on rocks. And in Malibu, the water snapped pillars holding up the famous pier.
These swells and dangerous wave conditions are expected to continue through Thursday despite the storm weakening.
Giant waves as large as six metres -- caused by hurricane Marie began hitting the Southern California coast, drawing spectators and surfers.
But the surf is also dangerous and has made challenging work for life guards.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) SEAL BEACH POLICE CHIEF JOE STILINOVICH
"I have never seen waves this big in Seal beach.. I swim in the ocean regularly, never this big, I wouldn't go out there."
Hundreds of people have been plucked from the sea in Los Angeles and Orange Country.
There's also been damage and flooding as Marie moved north.
Here in Catalina Island, these pictures show boats and vehicles stacked on rocks. And in Malibu, the water snapped pillars holding up the famous pier.
These swells and dangerous wave conditions are expected to continue through Thursday despite the storm weakening.