Severe winter winds have unleashed hazardous weather across the United States, bringing deadly surf conditions to the West Coast and reports of tornado activity in Texas during the holiday period.
The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) issued a high surf advisory for the West Coast through Sunday, warning of waves reaching up to 30 feet (9.1 meters) in some parts of California.
The advisory urged inexperienced swimmers and surfers to stay out of the water and reminded the public to remain vigilant and avoid turning their backs on the ocean.
The extreme conditions have already caused multiple injuries and at least one fatality, with a man discovered beneath debris along the coast.
In California, the NWS highlighted potentially life-threatening conditions for swimmers, urging residents to steer clear of piers, jetties, and other waterside structures.
The state has experienced several days of dangerous surf, with a wharf in Santa Cruz collapsing under the impact of powerful waves earlier in the week.
Rescue efforts were also hampered by the treacherous conditions. Marina Police reported an adult man swept out to sea on Monday. An air and sea search was initiated but later suspended due to the perilous environment.
Washington and Oregon, further up the Pacific Coast, are also under heavy surf advisories expected to last until Friday afternoon.
Meanwhile, in Texas, the severe winter weather triggered tornado sightings and disrupted travel, including delays in flights.
The volatile conditions highlight the widespread impact of winter storms across various parts of the U.S. during the holiday season.