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As we bring you the latest updates, a major weather threat is unfolding, impacting millions on the roads and in the skies ahead of New Year’s Eve. The West Coast is racing against time to protect beach communities from potential flooding and massive waves, with officials on high alert for rogue waves and life-threatening conditions.
Evacuation Warnings and Coastal Chaos in Southern California
ABC’s Will Carr reports from Southern California, where evacuation warnings are in effect due to massive waves slamming the coastline. Officials are urgently working to build sand barriers in Ventura County, closing beaches through New Year’s Eve after three days of coastal flooding.
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A shocking incident caught on video reveals a rogue wave crashing over the seawall, injuring several people, including a bicyclist. The impact was described as sudden and surprising, resembling scenes from a Hollywood movie. Emergency crews are responding, with at least eight people rushed to the hospital.
Devastation Unfolds Along the Coast
Local residents are surveying the aftermath of powerful waves, with one seaside hotel inundated by mud and sand. Judy Thomas, a hotel resident, describes the event as a sudden tsunami, catching people off guard. Firefighters are urging residents to stay away from the beaches due to life-threatening rip tides.
Record Week for Holiday Travel and Airport Impact
The severe weather is affecting holiday travel during what TSA reports as a record-breaking season, screening 2.4 million travelers daily. Airports are experiencing disruptions, with authorities in Ventura County keeping beaches closed through tomorrow.
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