Massive waves threaten California, coast braces for another round after Ventura rogue wave

Dangerously high waves and rough waters continue threatening California's central and southern coasts as Pacific storms create powerful swells.

The National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center said on Saturday that high surf and coastal flooding alerts are still present along California's central and southern coasts through New Year's Day with a storm system approaching the state.

Weather stations in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay area said waves can be as high as 20 feet, producing a life-threatening situation for beachgoers. Several viral videos posted on social media showed the waves crashing on the coast, causing damage to roads, loose items and some vehicles. At least eight people have been injured.

The waves damaged government buildings in Ventura County, eroded beaches and prompted water rescues throughout the state. The Ventura County Fire Department issued an evacuation warning around 10 a.m. local time on Saturday for residents bordering the Pacific Coast Highway from Seacliff Avenue South to Emma Wood Group Camp.

"Powerful cyclones over the northern Pacific waters are sending this long-period swell (16 - 18 sec) towards Southern California waters, with reported swell heights of 12-17 feet continuing," the Los Angeles station said in a forecast discussion.

Massive waves:Rogue wave in Ventura, California injures 8, people run to get out of its path: Video

Current weather alerts for California

See photos of the destructive waves in California

Contributing: Wes Woods II, Cheri Carlson, Tom Kisken; Ventura County Star; Associated Press

Contact reporter Krystal Nurse at knurse@USATODAY.com. Follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @KrystalRNurse.