City officials worried over Pacifica coast as weekend storm approaches
PACIFICA, Calif. (KGO) -- Pacifica is bracing for the return of El Nino by preparing for heavy wind, rain and pounding surf - all which are expected this weekend, especially along the Pacifica coastline.
Public works crews in Pacifica are closing streets and filling potholes along the city's waterfront where an angry Pacific Ocean could produce giant swells up to 20 feet during the weekend's storms.
"We're getting 1.5 inches of rain this weekend through Sunday. That's a short amount of time and that's among my concerns," explained Raymond Biagini with Pacifica's Public Works Department.
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The rain arrived early, bringing some neighborhood flooding with it. The predicted heavy winds and cliff erosion also have officials concerned.
It's a race against time for construction crew, which recently demolished a red-tagged cliffside apartment building on Esplanade Avenue. And work isn't done yet.
Max Jones and his son, Jamison, are monitoring this crumbling cliff off Pametto Avenue, which appears to be eroding.
"Today, tomorrow, Sunday, the whole thing could be gone by then," said Jamison.
The cliff is off limits and several homes around it have been red-tagged.
"Ten years ago, we had a lot more shoreline, it's being reclaimed," said Max.
Construction crews are fighting erosion by shoring up this stretch of waterfront with dirt and rock as a little insurance against El Nino.
"We're helping people protect their property and prevent Mother Nature from doing its thing," said Ray Kurttioa, a construction worker.
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