Coastal communities across Southern California are getting ready for several days of flooding as forecasters warn of potentially record-breaking tides this week.
The National Weather Service said significant coastal flooding is expected in San Diego and Orange counties through Thursday. The flooding could shut down roads and inundate homes, businesses and critical infrastructure. Farther north, a broad stretch of coastline running from San Luis Obispo county to Los Angeles county could see minor to moderate coastal flooding, with tides reaching as high as 8ft.
The weather service office in San Diego urged people to take precautions. "Avoid the beaches during high tides, keep farther back from the ocean than usual (waves will run much farther up the beach that expected), stay off rock walls/jetties, and make sure flood-prone property is protected this week," it said in a statement.
Newport Beach, in Orange county, acted well ahead of the event. More than a week before the exceptionally high tides were due to arrive, the city declared a local emergency to prepare. According to the city, staff have been deployed across the area to inspect infrastructure, reinforce beach berms and put in place sandbags and other equipment. Newport Beach is also handing out free sandbags and has advised residents to check vulnerable spots around their properties.
City officials say the tides are being driven higher by larger forces at work in the ocean. Because of El Niño and the Kelvin wave, water levels in the region have already run about 15 to 22in above what was expected, according to Newport Beach city manager Seimone Jurjis.
Jurjis stressed what that difference can mean on the ground. "A foot and a half may not sound like much, but in a coastal community like ours, it can mean the difference between water staying below a seawall and water spilling into streets, garages and homes, especially during some of the highest tides of the year," Jurjis said in a statement.
The region has already dealt with severe weather this month. Flooding overtook city streets, and large waves struck beachside homes. The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel also left a trail of destruction across California, significantly damaging homes, destroying a boardwalk and forcing residents to evacuate.
Looking further ahead, a historic El Niño is unfolding in the Pacific, and California is expected to face severe storms this winter.