High Winds Damage Boats in Santa Cruz Harbor
High winds wreaked havoc in Santa Cruz Harbor, damaging numerous boats and leaving locals shaken. Wind gusts recorded around 3 a.m. reached alarming speeds between 90 to 100 mph, prompting significant concerns for residents and boat owners alike.
Storm Impact on Santa Cruz Harbor
Early on Christmas morning, officials reported that around a dozen catamarans were damaged due to strong winds. The National Weather Service had already issued a tornado warning for Santa Cruz County, highlighting the severity of the weather conditions.
Details of the Damage
The harbor master confirmed that gusts between 70 to 80 mph caused extensive damage to up to 13 fiberglass catamarans, which were stored in the parking lot for winter. Key observations include:
- Eight catamarans suffered irreparable damage.
- Four catamarans received moderate damage and may be salvageable.
- One catamaran fell onto a parked car, causing additional property damage.
Eyewitness Accounts
Residents like Tim, who chose not to provide his last name, shared their experiences amid the storm. He reported that the wind sounded like a freight train, and he witnessed the destruction first-hand. After the storm, he discovered that two of the damaged catamarans had landed on his vehicle.
Tim affirmed that despite previously enduring a tsunami, he found this storm profoundly impressive. Remarkably, the aftermath revealed boats with torn sails throughout the harbor, stressing the power of the winds.
Next Steps for Recovery
The owners of the affected boats plan to coordinate efforts to clear the debris from the harbor on Friday. As this situation develops, many residents remain on alert for further weather warnings.
For ongoing updates regarding the storm’s impact and recovery efforts in Santa Cruz Harbor, stay tuned to El-Balad.
