Lifeguards rescued two people after the structure in Santa Cruz broke free, firefighters said, while a third person managed to get themselves out of trouble.
Videos posted on social media showed part of the pier adrift in the water as waves lashed the coastline.
Santa Cruz resident Joe Merrill, who was working on the pier when it broke apart, told AFP it happened suddenly.
"About 300 to 500 feet (90-150 meters) of the wharf collapsed," he said.
"The crane, cargo... all of it just collapsed. Two people went in the water, but they were rescued. We had divers, boats, everything."
The National Weather Service reposted a video of the aftermath, explaining: "A portion of the Santa Cruz Pier has collapsed, and is floating away.
"Look at the ominous wave action on the horizon. You are risking your life, and those of the people that would need to try and save you by getting in or too close to the water."
The agency said towering waves were expected in the area over the next day.
"Dangerous and life-threatening beach conditions are forecast with very high surf, rip currents, sneaker waves, and coastal flooding through Tuesday for ALL beaches along the Pacific Coast," a message on X -- formerly Twitter -- said.
"Very rough seas, breaking waves to 40 feet (12 meters) and extremely dangerous conditions."
The storm hitting California was expected to bring rain to many areas, even the usually-dry far south around Los Angeles, and snow over the mountains.
It was then expected to move inland.
"A series of Pacific storm systems will cross the Northwest US this week bringing gusty winds, periods of heavy rain, and mountain snow," a forecast said.
"A few locally severe storms could occur across parts of central and East Texas on Tuesday."
High winds hit UK Christmas travel plans
London (AFP) Dec 22, 2024 -
Christmas travellers in the UK faced festive misery on Sunday as high winds forced London's Heathrow Airport to cancel 100 flights.
"Due to strong winds and airspace restrictions, a small number of flights have been cancelled today," the UK's busiest airport said, confirming around 100 flights have been affected.
About 650 flights a day depart from Heathrow, according to the airport's website.
The UK's Met Office said yellow warnings for wind will remain in place until 9.00pm (2100GMT) on Sunday, with gusts of up to 75mph (125kph) forecast.
P&O Ferries also said that journeys between Larne in Northern Ireland and Cairnryan in southern Scotland had been cancelled until at least 8.00pm (2000GMT), while rail operator ScotRail said it had imposed speed restrictions on some Scottish services.
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