California coastal towns brace for flooding as tides reach historic levels

Coastal communities from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles counties are preparing for several days of flooding as tide levels rise to historic heights. The National Weather Service (NWS) said significant coastal flooding is expected in San Diego and Orange counties through Thursday, with the potential to close roads and inundate homes, businesses and critical infrastructure. Tides as high as 8 feet have been recorded, and the agency’s San Pedro tide gauge reported 8.02 feet, the highest reading since records began in 1923.

The NWS office in San Diego advised residents to avoid beaches during high tides, stay farther back from the ocean, keep off rock walls and jetties, and protect flood-prone property. In Newport Beach, officials declared a local emergency more than a week before the forecasted high tides, deploying staff to inspect infrastructure, reinforce beach berms and distribute free sandbags. City manager Seimone Jurjis noted that ocean water levels are already 15 to 22 inches above normal due to El Niño and a Kelvin wave, adding that a foot and a half of additional water can push water over seawalls into streets and homes.

The Bay Area could see up to 2.1 feet of inundation in low-lying coastal areas, while Marin County’s Mill Valley reported cars stranded on flooded roads. Earlier this month, remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel caused flooding and damage along the coast, including a destroyed boardwalk and evacuations. With a historic El Niño developing in the Pacific, forecasters expect the region to face severe storms throughout the winter.