Southern California prepares for flooding amid forecast of ‘record-breaking tides’
Residents of coastal towns told to avoid beaches during high tides and keep further away from the ocean than usual Southern California coastal communities are preparing for days of flooding amid potentially “record-breaking tides” this week. The National Weather Service warned that significant coastal flooding was expected in San Diego and Orange counties through Thursday that could close roads…
Southern California is bracing for flooding as forecasters predict "record-breaking tides" this week. Coastal communities are being advised to avoid beaches and keep a safe distance from the ocean. The National Weather Service has warned that significant flooding could occur in San Diego and Orange counties through Thursday, potentially closing roads and inundating homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
In northern coastal areas, from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles counties, residents can expect "minor to moderate" flooding with tides reaching up to 8 feet. Preliminary data from the San Pedro tide gauge in Los Angeles shows the highest tide ever recorded, dating back to November 1923. The NWS office in San Diego has instructed residents to take precautions, including avoiding beaches, keeping further from the ocean, and protecting flood-prone properties.
Newport Beach has declared a local emergency ahead of the high tides, deploying staff to inspect infrastructure, reinforce beach berms, and install sandbags and other protective equipment. City officials are urging residents to inspect vulnerable areas around their properties. Ocean water levels in the region are 15 to 22 inches higher than usual due to El Niño and the Kelvin wave.
This month has already seen extreme weather, including flooding and large waves that struck beachside homes following the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel. With a historic El Niño underway in the Pacific, California is expected to face severe storms throughout the winter.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian US's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
