California Flood Alert Issued as Monster King Tides Sweep In
Coastal communities across California are preparing for potential flooding as “very high” king tides move ashore.
The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood advisory from 5 a.m. Sunday through 1 p.m. Thursday for beaches in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
Forecasters expect morning high tides to reach as much as eight feet—about 1 to 1.5 feet higher than astronomical tide projections.
The advisory warns that minor to moderate seawater flooding could affect vulnerable, low-lying coastal areas around high tide, including beach parking lots, bike paths and harbor walkways. Moderate to significant beach erosion is also possible.
San Diego and Orange counties are also under coastal flood warnings.
“Coastal residents in the warned area should be alert for rising water and take appropriate action to protect life and property,” the National Weather Service office in San Diego said. Morning high tides could run 1 to 1.7 feet above astronomical predictions each day.
Southern California could also see a “wet Halloween weekend,” according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters said they have high confidence that measurable rain will fall across most, if not all, of the region from Friday through the weekend. However, confidence remains low regarding the timing and total rainfall amounts. Halloween events are expected to be affected by rain to some degree.
Earlier this week, Newport Beach declared a local emergency ahead of exceptionally high king tides expected to reach the Orange County coastal community later this month.
Water levels are expected to rise significantly from Oct. 26 through Oct. 28. On Oct. 26, tides are forecast to reach 6.5 feet, with potential peaks as high as 8.3 feet.
The highest tides are expected Oct. 27, when levels are predicted to reach 6.7 feet and could crest at 8.5 feet. Elevated tides should continue Oct. 28, with a forecast height of 6.6 feet.
Newport Beach has also activated its emergency operations center to coordinate flood-prevention and response efforts.
