Coastal communities across six Southern California counties are under flood advisories and warnings through midweek as a round of unusually high king tides moves through the region.
The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood advisory running from 5 a.m. Sunday to 1 p.m. Thursday for beaches in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Forecasters say morning high tides could reach up to eight feet, running 1.0 to 1.5 feet above normal astronomical predictions.
“Minor to moderate flooding of sea water is likely over vulnerable low-lying coastal areas, especially around the time of high tide, including over beach parking lots, bike paths, and harbor walkways,” the advisory states. “Moderate to significant beach erosion is likely.”
Farther south, the National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning for San Diego and Orange counties, where tides could run 1 to 1.7 feet above predicted levels, also peaking each morning.
“Coastal residents in the warned area should be alert for rising water and take appropriate action to protect life and property,” NWS San Diego said.
Newport Beach Declares Local Emergency
Newport Beach officials got ahead of the surge earlier this week, declaring a local emergency in anticipation of exceptionally high king tides expected to hit the Orange County city late this month. The city has also activated its emergency operations center to coordinate flood prevention and response work.
Elevated coastal water levels are expected to crest from October 26 through 28 in Newport Beach. Tides are forecast to begin Sunday, October 26 at a predicted 6.5 feet, with potential crests reaching 8.3 feet. The peak is expected Monday, October 27, with a predicted height of 6.7 feet and possible surges up to 8.5 feet. Elevated conditions are then expected to persist October 28, with a predicted height of 6.6 feet.
A Soggy Halloween Ahead
On top of the tidal flooding risk, the National Weather Service says Southern California is likely facing a wet Halloween weekend. Forecasters have high confidence that measurable rain will fall across most of the region from Friday through the weekend, though the timing and totals remain uncertain.
“Residents should expect Halloween activities to be impacted by rainfall to some level,” the forecast noted.
Residents in affected coastal areas are urged to stay alert for rising water around beach parking lots, bike paths, harbor walkways and other low-lying areas through the week.
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