Southern California Coast Braces for Days of Flooding as Tides Run High

Coastal communities in Southern California are preparing for days of flooding this week, with tides that could be record-breaking, according to The Guardian.

The National Weather Service, the U.S. government's weather forecasting agency, has warned that significant coastal flooding is expected in San Diego and Orange counties through Thursday. The agency said the flooding could close roads and flood homes, businesses and critical infrastructure. A surf forecast issued early Monday, Oct. 26, said observed tides in San Diego's coastal areas were running 1.5 to 1.7 feet above predicted levels.

Farther north, the forecast covers the coast from San Luis Obispo County to Los Angeles County, where minor to moderate coastal flooding is possible. Tides as high as 8 feet were forecast for that stretch.

Part of the reason for the high water is the ocean itself. The Los Angeles Times reported that actual high tides in Southern California are running about 1.25 to 1.75 feet above normal, which it linked to record-hot ocean temperatures off the coast. Newport Beach City Manager Seimone Jurjis said ocean levels in the region were already 15 to 22 inches higher than expected, citing El Niño, a recurring warming of the Pacific Ocean, and a Kelvin wave, a type of ocean wave that travels along the equator.

Newport Beach, in Orange County, declared a local emergency more than a week before the highest tides were forecast to arrive. City crews have inspected infrastructure, reinforced beach berms (long mounds of sand that act as barriers) and installed sandbags and other equipment. The city is handing out free sandbags and has asked residents to check vulnerable spots around their properties.

The National Weather Service office in San Diego has advised people to avoid beaches during high tides and to stay farther back from the ocean than usual. It also said people should keep off rock walls and jetties, the rock structures that extend into the water, and make sure property prone to flooding is protected.

The area is still recovering from earlier damage. Remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel, which hit in October, significantly damaged homes, destroyed a boardwalk and forced residents in California to evacuate.