Coastal Tides Predicted to Reach 8 Feet in Parts of Southern California

The National Weather Service has forecast extreme high tides for the Southern California coast that could result in severe flooding through Thursday. The agency identified San Diego and Orange counties as the areas at highest risk, where coastal waters may close roads and enter homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

North of San Diego, the forecast calls for minor to moderate flooding along the coast from San Luis Obispo county to Los Angeles county. Tides in this region are expected to reach as high as 8 feet.

In San Diego, the NWS office issued specific guidance for residents and visitors. The agency advised people to avoid beaches during high tide periods and to stand farther back from the ocean than usual. Waves are expected to run much farther up the beach than typical, and officials warned residents to stay off rock walls and jetties. The NWS also urged property owners to protect flood-prone areas.

Newport Beach in Orange county declared a local emergency more than a week before the peak tides are scheduled to arrive. City staff are currently inspecting infrastructure, reinforcing beach berms, and installing sandbags and other protective equipment. The city is distributing free sandbags and has asked residents to check vulnerable spots around their properties.

Newport Beach city manager Seimone Jurjis attributed the elevated water levels to El Niño and the Kelvin wave. She stated that ocean water levels in the region are already 15 to 22 inches higher than expected.

Jurjis explained that this increase in water level can determine whether water stays below a seawall or spills into streets, garages, and homes. She noted that the difference is especially critical during some of the highest tides of the year.

The region has already experienced extreme weather this month. Flooding overtook city streets, and large waves struck beachside homes. The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel damaged homes, destroyed a boardwalk, and forced residents to evacuate. A historic El Niño unfolding in the Pacific is expected to bring severe storms to California this winter.