Hundreds flock to Concord's Hurricane Harbor to beat the heat

CONCORD, Calif. (KGO) -- Mask-free and beating the heat, Hurricane Harbor may be the place to be for the next several days, as Bay Area temperatures head toward triple digits.

"It's like freezing and water just dumps over your head like it's nothing," said young Rocco after he emerged from the Big Kahuna water slide.

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Closed since October 2019, Hurricane Harbor opened to full capacity Tuesday and full freedom from masks for most people.

"We're open and ready to allow the crowds to come through our gates and enjoy the many rides and attractions we have here," said park manager Marc Merino.

Cooling centers in the East Bay are also reopening, like this one at a senior center in Concord.

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No matter how one chooses to cool off, being out at a class or at a water park with friends is an experience few will take for granted anytime soon.

"It was really nice to feel just a little bit back to normal," said Jordan Auerbach of Concord.