As a series of strong storms in the Pacific Ocean moved westward, powerful waves pounded California’s coast, flooding streets, washing away cars and knocking people off their feet.

8 people have already been hospitalized after a ‘rogue’ wave hit the beachside town of Ventura. Estimated at 20-foot-plus, the wave crashed over the seawall sending rescuers scrambling.

“Please stay away from the water,” the fire department warned. “Multiple rescues have been made. Numerous areas have been flooded and resulted in injuries.”

And the L.A. Times reports that there are flooding and evacuation orders up and down the Cali coast.