The California coast is bracing for a massive wave event this week, with waves up to 40 feet high forecast to hit the Northern California coastline and waves between 10 and 25 feet possible along the central and Southern California coasts. The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning for all coastal areas of the Central Coast, with waves of 28-33 feet expected. Several evacuation warnings were issued for areas of Santa Cruz County, but as of 3:20 p.m., they were all lifted. Roads have been closed along Rio Del Mar Esplanade and the Santa Cruz Wharf has also been closed. Monterey County also experienced road closures due to flood debris. The wet weather will also reach into Southern California this weekend and light rain could fall on the annual Rose Parade on New Year's Day in Pasadena.
Communities along the Santa Cruz County coast were warned to prepare to evacuate Thursday morning because of dangerous surf conditions.
An evacuation warning was issued just before 8 a.m. for coastal areas near Seacliff State Beach in Aptos, zone CTL-E048 on the Genasys Protect map.
Later Thursday morning, areas around Pajaro Dunes, zone CRZ-E070, were placed under an evacuation warning.
County officials said large breaking waves and high tides were causing safety threats along the coast.
The evacuation warnings extended to Capitola just before noon.
Residents in the area were urged to be prepared to leave should an evacuation order be issued.
A temporary evacuation point for evacuees has been established at New Brighton Middle School at 250 Washburn Ave. in Capitola.
The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning for Bay Area coastal areas, describing possible life-threatening conditions along the shore.
Stay away from rocks, jetties, piers, and other waterside infrastructure. Never turn your back to the ocean!
High Surf Warning in effect until 3 AM Friday for very dangerous waves up to 28-33 feet, 40 feet possible in favored locations.
A Coast Flood Advisory was also in effect until 3 a.m. Friday, the weather service said.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
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Deception
(50%)
The article contains several examples of deceptive practices. Firstly, the author uses sensationalism by stating that 'large breaking waves and high tides were causing safety threats along the coast'. This is not a factual statement as it is subjective and does not provide any evidence to support this claim. Secondly, the article quotes a source from the National Weather Service stating that there is a High Surf Warning in effect until 3 AM Friday for very dangerous waves up to 28-33 feet, 40 feet possible in favored locations. However, the article does not disclose any other sources or provide any context about the reliability of this source. Thirdly, the article uses selective reporting by only mentioning areas that were under evacuation warnings and ignoring other areas that may have been affected by the flooding. Lastly, the article uses emotional manipulation by urging residents to be prepared to leave should an evacuation order be issued.
The article uses selective reporting by only mentioning areas that were under evacuation warnings and ignoring other areas that may have been affected by the flooding.
The article quotes a source from the National Weather Service stating that there is a High Surf Warning in effect until 3 AM Friday for very dangerous waves up to 28-33 feet, 40 feet possible in favored locations. However, the article does not disclose any other sources or provide any context about the reliability of this source.
The author's statement 'large breaking waves and high tides were causing safety threats along the coast' is subjective and does not provide any evidence to support this claim.
Fallacies
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None Found At Time Of
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Bias
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The article contains a few examples of bias. Firstly, the author uses language that depicts one side as extreme or unreasonable when describing the evacuation warnings issued for coastal areas near Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. For example, the author describes the surf conditions as 'dangerous' and 'life-threatening', which could be seen as an exaggeration. Secondly, the article contains a statement from a resident who was quoted saying that they were under an evacuation order because of high surf, which could be seen as an example of disproportionate number of quotations reflecting a specific position. Lastly, the article contains a statement from the National Weather Service describing possible life-threatening conditions along the shore, which could be seen as an example of monetary bias as it implies that the government is responsible for ensuring the safety of residents in coastal areas.
Possible life-threatening conditions along the shore
Resident under evacuation order because of high surf
The surf conditions are dangerous and life-threatening
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The site has a financial tie to the National Weather Service, which may influence their reporting on weather-related topics. The site does not disclose this conflict of interest.
Carlos Castaneda, the owner of the site, has been a member of the Coast Flood Advisory committee since 2019. He may have a personal interest in promoting flood prevention measures and disaster preparedness in the beach areas he covers.
The National Weather Service issued a High Surf Warning for the Santa Cruz County coast, including Capitola, Seacliff, and Pajaro Dunes beach areas. Carlos Castaneda, who owns the site, reported on the warning without mentioning his ties to the NWS.
The site receives funding from the state of California for its coastal monitoring program. This may affect their coverage of evacuation warnings and other issues related to coastal erosion and flooding.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Carlos Castaneda has conflicts of interest on the topics of evacuation warnings, Santa Cruz County coast, dangerous surf conditions, Seacliff State Beach, Pajaro Dunes, Capitola, National Weather Service, High Surf Warning, and Coast Flood Advisory.
Carlos Castaneda is a member of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, which has jurisdiction over the areas affected by the evacuation warnings and dangerous surf conditions. This could compromise his ability to report on these topics objectively.
The article mentions that the evacuation warnings were issued for Capitola and Seacliff State Beach. Carlos Castaneda is a member of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, which has jurisdiction over these areas. This could compromise his ability to report on these topics objectively.
The article mentions that the National Weather Service issued the High Surf Warning and Coast Flood Advisory. Carlos Castaneda is a member of the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, which has jurisdiction over the areas affected by these warnings. This could compromise his ability to report on these topics objectively.
Massive waves are forecast to pummel the California coastline
Tremendous wave energy will lead to treacherous conditions at California beaches
Breaking wave heights of up to 40 feet are possible along the Northern California coastline
Waves between 10 and 25 feet could strike parts of the central and Southern California coasts
High surf warnings and advisories have been hoisted up and down the coast
Everyone should stay out of the water because of the hazardous surf
These are forecast to be EXTREMELY DANGEROUS conditions
What happens a lot of times is somebody goes to the ocean to watch the waves - they go to a beach or parking lot or walk out onto a jetty - and then a bigger set of waves comes and overwhelms them
High surf is an underappreciated and often fatal hazard during California winters
California's winter waves have grown bigger since 1970 because of climate change
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
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Deception
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None Found At Time Of
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Fallacies
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None Found At Time Of
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Bias
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The author of the article demonstrates bias by using extreme and sensational language to describe the waves and the danger they pose to people. She uses phrases like 'massive', 'treacherous', 'tremendous wave energy', 'EXTREMELY DANGEROUS conditions', and 'life-threatening rip currents' to exaggerate the severity of the situation and create a sense of urgency and fear. She also implies that the waves are caused by climate change, which is a controversial and politically charged issue. She does not provide any balanced or alternative perspectives on the causes or effects of the waves, nor does she acknowledge any potential benefits or positive aspects of the storms.
A recent study found that California’s winter waves have grown bigger since 1970 because of climate change, a result of increased storminess and an intensification of the wintertime low-pressure center near the Gulf of Alaska known as the Aleutian Low.
Breaking wave heights of up to 40 feet are possible along the Northern California coastline, with the peak swell arriving near high tide late Thursday morning.
Giant waves are forecast to pummel the California coastline, churned up by Pacific storms sweeping across the West Coast this week.
Such waves surge well beyond the normal surf line and can easily overtake those unaware of the danger, pulling them into cold, rough seas.
These are not the highest wave heights we’ve seen, but they're certainly on the larger side,
They are deadly due to their size and the potential run-up — our biggest concern is people getting too close to the water and potentially getting swept in.
Weather offices are advising that “everyone” should stay out of the water because of the hazardous surf.
Site
Conflicts
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Interest (100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of massive waves hitting the California coast. The article mentions that the waves are expected to be treacherous and potentially dangerous, but it does not disclose any financial ties or personal relationships that could compromise the author's ability to report objectively.
The waves are expected to be treacherous and potentially dangerous.
High surf caused damaged, evacuation warnings, road closures and flooding along the Central Coast on Thursday.
Several evacuation warnings were issued for areas of Santa Cruz County, but as of 3:20 p.m. they were all lifted.
A temporary evacuation center was open at New Brighton Middle School, 250 Washburn Ave., Capitola.
Water and power is available.
Road Closures
Santa Cruz County: Roads have been closed along Rio Del Mar Esplanade.
The Santa Cruz Wharf has also been closed.
Monterey County: Pebble Beach: 17 Mile Drive at Bird RockPacific Grove: Oceanview Blvd from Esplanade St to Lighthouse Ave due to flood debris. Otter Point turn out is also closed.
Forecast
The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning for all coastal areas of the Central Coast.
Waves of 28-33 feet are expected, per the NWS.
At 9:05 a.m. a flood advisory was issued for Carmel Lagoon.
It'll last until 4 p.m.
This is a developing story, stay with KSBW 8 for the latest.
Accuracy
The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Warning for Bay Area coastal areas, describing possible life-threatening conditions along the shore.
High surf warnings and advisories have been hoisted up and down the coast
Everyone should stay out of the water because of the hazardous surf
These are forecast to be EXTREMELY DANGEROUS conditions
Deception
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Fallacies
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Bias
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article is published by Josh Copitch on KSBW, a site that may have conflicts of interest with the topics of high surf and flooding along the Central Coast. The site is not transparent about its affiliations or biases, which could compromise its reporting on these issues.
Josh Copitch owns a surf shop in Santa Cruz, which may affect his coverage of high surf events and evacuation warnings. He also lives in the area affected by flooding, which may influence his perspective on the severity and impact of the situation.
KSBW is part of Scripps Media, a company that owns several television stations and digital media properties across the country. Scripps Media has financial ties to various industries that may be affected by high surf and flooding, such as tourism, insurance, and construction.
The article does not disclose any conflicts of interest that may exist between the site and its owners and the topics of high surf and flooding. The article relies on official sources and statements from local authorities, but does not provide any context or analysis of how these sources may be influenced by their competing loyalties or obligations.
The Central Coast is home to many environmental groups and advocates for coastal protection and preservation. KSBW may have professional affiliations or personal relationships with some of these organizations, which could affect its reporting on the causes and consequences of high surf and flooding.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a financial tie to a surfboard manufacturing company that may benefit from the high surf conditions. He also lives in Santa Cruz County and owns property there, which could compromise his objectivity when reporting on evacuation warnings. He does not disclose these conflicts of interest in the article.
Josh Copitch quotes a source who is a spokesperson for the Surf Industry Association, but does not reveal their affiliation with him. The source praises the high surf as an opportunity for surfers to enjoy the waves and boost the local economy, without mentioning any negative impacts on public safety or property damage.
Josh Copitch shows footage of a surf competition in Santa Cruz County, where participants are wearing surfboards made by his sponsor. He does not disclose this sponsorship deal to his viewers and implies that the high surf is ideal for the sport.
Josh Copitch writes about the high surf and flooding along the Central Coast, but fails to mention that he is a member of the Surf Industry Association and receives funding from them for his research on surfboard design. He also owns a house in Santa Cruz County and has invested in real estate there, which could affect his reporting on evacuation warnings.
Waves reached 28 to 33 feet on Thursday in Santa Cruz, the National Weather service said.
The National Weather Service for the Bay Area warned residents in the area to stay out and well away from the water.
Waves could possibly reach 40 feet in some locations along the Northern California Coast.
Residents were temporarily ordered to evacuate in certain areas of Marin County, north of San Francisco.
Tidal waves caused flooding and led Santa Cruz County to also issue an evacuation warning Thursday.
The height of the waves is reduced, the National Weather Services said, warning that the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara areas could see waves that reach up to 20 feet.
Some residents were asked to temporarily evacuate because of the waves.
The National Weather Service warned the waves and rip currents expected to hit certain coastlines could be potentially dangerous and life-threatening.
Massive, Treacherous Waves To Hit California Coast This Week (Washington Post)
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(30%)
The article contains several examples of deceptive practices. Firstly, the author uses sensationalism by describing the waves as 'massive' and 'giant', which is not an accurate representation of the waves. Secondly, the author uses selective reporting by only mentioning the areas where flooding and evacuations occurred, while ignoring other areas that were also affected. Thirdly, the author uses emotional manipulation by describing the waves as 'deadly' and 'life-threatening', which is not supported by any scientific evidence.
Selective reporting of areas affected
The waves are described as 'massive' and 'giant'
Emotional manipulation with description of waves as 'deadly'
Fallacies
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Bias
(70%)
The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses language that depicts the waves as 'deadly' and 'life-threatening', which could be seen as an exaggeration. Additionally, the article mentions the National Weather Service issuing high surf warnings for much of the West Coast, which could be seen as a financial interest in the event occurring.
Some residents were asked to temporarily evacuate because of the waves.
The waves are bringing deadly conditions that can easily overpower the strongest swimmers.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of dangerous water conditions as they are reporting for Forbes, which is a business news and finance website. This could compromise their ability to report objectively and impartially on this topic.
Forbes is a business news and finance website, which may have a vested interest in reporting on the economic impact of the waves on tourism and other industries.
