Catastrophic waves flood Calif. beach towns as evacuations ordered, at least 8 hospitalized

At least eight people were hospitalized when gigantic waves wreaked havoc across coastal California towns on Thursday, as powerful storms hovered over the Pacific Ocean.

Daring residents ignored evacuation orders and flocked to the beaches to watch the epic show of the waves crashing, but some were too close as the monstrous formations broke over the seawalls.

A rogue wave swept approximately 20 beachgoers at Pierpont Beach around 11 a.m. in Ventura.

The city of Ventura captured the moment the water breached the concrete barrier and knocked down the vulnerable spectators as...