Deadly Surf and Tornadoes Hit US During Holidays

The United States endured severe weather upheavals during the holidays, as frigid gusts unleashed perilous surf conditions along the West Coast and triggered tornado sightings in Texas.

California's coastline grappled with towering waves reaching 30 feet (9.1 meters) in height, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue an elevated surf advisory lasting through Sunday. Novice swimmers and surfers were sternly advised to steer clear of the tumultuous waters.

The extreme conditions led to multiple injuries and the tragic death of a man found beneath shoreline debris. Authorities issued a stark reminder to residents to exercise caution and “never turn your back on the ocean.”

Simultaneously, fierce storms swept across Texas, spawning tornado alerts and causing flight delays. The NWS characterized the West Coast’s weather as posing “potentially life-threatening hazards” to anyone venturing near the water. Officials implored the public to refrain from accessing piers, jetties, or other seaside infrastructure.

Santa Cruz, California, bore the brunt of the turbulent seas earlier in the week when massive waves demolished part of a wharf. Nearby, Marina Police called off an air and sea rescue after a man was swept into the ocean, citing unmanageable conditions.

In the Pacific Northwest, Washington and Oregon also remained under heavy surf advisories, with warnings in place through Friday afternoon.

In Texas, the tempestuous weather gave rise to reports of twisters. Emergency Management Coordinator Jimmy George in El Campo, a small town an hour from Houston, described witnessing a tornado from a highway. Additional sightings of the same funnel were reported by locals.

While no injuries were recorded, the tempest left behind damage, including three wrecked barns, according to Russell McDougall, an emergency official in Wharton County. Reports of a secondary tornado circulated, but verification remained pending.

The National Weather Service had cautioned southeastern Texas, including the Houston area, about potential thunderstorms and tornado activity. Official confirmation of the El Campo tornado might take several days, said an NWS spokesperson.

Meanwhile, Dallas-Fort Worth Airport experienced over 100 delayed flights as the storm system barreled through, though it was forecast to dissipate by Thursday evening.

While the West and South contended with calamitous weather, the East Coast enjoyed a scenic "white Christmas." New York City relished its first holiday snowfall—more than an inch blanketing the city—since 2009.

However, snow brought complications to some areas. In Morris County, New Jersey, a large sinkhole erupted near the I-80 highway, snarling traffic and adding another layer of challenges for holiday travelers.