The National Weather Service has issued an updated coastal flood advisory for Catalina and the Santa Barbara Islands, citing very high tides. The advisory was issued at 5:10 p.m. and remains in effect until 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29.
Forecasters at the NWS office in Los Angeles and Oxnard said minor to moderate coastal flooding is expected. High tides are likely to reach 7.5 to 8.0 feet (MLLW) each late morning, which is 1.0 to 1.5 feet above astronomical projections. The highest tides are expected through Wednesday.
The agency also noted a small chance of isolated Coastal Flood Warnings from Wednesday through Thursday if larger surf develops. It added that the advisory may need to be extended beyond Thursday.
According to the NWS, sea water is likely to flood vulnerable low-lying coastal areas, especially around the time of high tide. Beach parking lots, bike paths and harbor walkways are among the places that could be affected. Moderate to significant beach erosion is also likely, and isolated damage to structures from sea water inundation is possible in the most vulnerable spots.
The weather service urged residents to take the necessary steps to protect flood-prone property. It also warned people not to drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
The NWS uses several categories of alerts, and each carries a different meaning. A flood advisory signals that people should be aware: flooding is not expected to be severe enough to warrant a warning, but it may cause significant inconvenience and could threaten life or property if caution is not exercised. A flood watch means conditions are favorable for flooding, though it does not guarantee that flooding will happen. A flood warning means flooding is imminent or occurring, and a flash flood warning means a sudden, violent flood is imminent or underway. People in flood-prone areas under a flash flood warning should move immediately to high ground.
The agency also offered general flood safety guidance. People living in flood-prone areas or camping in low-lying terrain should move to higher ground, and anyone given an evacuation order by local authorities should comply promptly and lock their home before leaving. If time allows, utilities and appliances should be disconnected. People should avoid basements or rooms where water has covered electrical outlets or cords, and should leave immediately if they see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping sounds. They should not enter water that may be electrically charged.
The NWS cautioned against walking through floodwaters, even when they look shallow, because just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock a person off their feet. Anyone trapped by moving water should get to the highest point available and call 911. Drivers should also stay out of flooded roads, since it takes only 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars, according to the agency.
