# Santa Cruz Beaches Close Due to Dangerous Waves

> Santa Cruz closes beaches and wharf as dangerous waves threaten coastal areas.
- Title: Santa Cruz Beaches Close Due to Dangerous Waves · Sfgate
- Summary: Santa Cruz closes beaches and wharf as dangerous waves threaten coastal areas. Santa Cruz closes all city beaches and the wharf through Sunday due to…
- Keywords: breaking, santa cruz, beach closures, dangerous waves, coastal flooding, evacuation warnings, wharf closure, national weather service, ocean waves, Sfgate
- Source: Sfgate — https://sfgate.com/bayarea/article/santa-cruz-beaches-closure-waves-22529520.php
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: breaking, santa cruz, beach closures, dangerous waves, coastal flooding, evacuation warnings, wharf closure, national weather service, ocean waves, news, local
## Evacuation warnings issued
Authorities have issued evacuation warnings for low-lying coastal areas of Santa Cruz County amid hazardous ocean conditions.

> Large waves have the potential to reach coastal homes and properties, causing dangerous flooding and making access to affected areas difficult or unsafe
## Beaches close this weekend
Santa Cruz closes all city beaches and the wharf from Friday night through Sunday morning due to forecasted dangerous waves.

> Dangerously large breaking waves are forecast to reach 25 to 35 feet, with occasional 50-foot waves
## Wharf safety concerns
The wharf is structurally safe but closed as a precaution after a collapse during a winter storm in 2024.

> Part of the structure collapsed during a powerful winter storm just before Christmas in 2024
## Public safety warnings
The National Weather Service urges the public to avoid beaches and high surf areas during the weekend.

> Any wrong move or stumble could turn deadly. No selfie is worth your life
## Recent incidents
A 24-year-old woman was swept out to sea at Panther State Beach due to dangerous tides.

> A 24-year-old woman was swept out to sea on Sunday at Panther State Beach as dangerous tides reached a narrow rock arch and passage
## Additional closures
Carmel River State Beach, Garrapata State Beach, and Asilomar State Beach close through Tuesday due to high surf.

> Carmel River State Beach, Garrapata State Beach and Asilomar State Beach will be closed for the same time period
## Key takeaway

Santa Cruz closes all city beaches and the wharf through Sunday due to forecasted 25-35 foot waves that could cause dangerous flooding and drownings.