Santa Cruz closes city beaches, wharf as county warns of 35-foot waves

Santa Cruz city beaches and the municipal wharf will close Friday night as high surf brings waves of 25 to 35 feet or larger to parts of the coast. County officials have issued an urgent warning for people to stay away from the shoreline.

The Details

The closures start at 10 p.m. Friday and are slated to last until 5 a.m. Sunday, though when they end depends on weather and ocean conditions. The wharf will keep its regular hours on Friday. Cowell Beach has been closed since a whale stranded there Thursday and will stay closed until further notice.

The National Weather Service has issued a high surf warning. Conditions are expected to get worse Friday night and last through early Sunday. County officials say the surf and high tides could push fast-moving water into places that are normally safe, flood coastal access points and low-lying areas, and force more beach and parking-lot closures. Evacuation warnings along the coast are possible.

“These conditions can cost you your life — and put