California’s coast is preparing for possible flooding as exceptionally 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 across Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
Forecasters expect morning high tides to reach as much as eight feet—roughly 1 to 1.5 feet higher than astronomical tide projections.
“Minor to moderate flooding of sea water is likely over vulnerable low-lying coastal areas, especially around the time of high tide, including over beach parking lots, bike paths, and harbor walkways. Moderate to significant beach erosion is likely,” the advisory said.
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. High tides each day will occur in the morning. Tides may be anywhere from 1 to 1.7 feet above astronomical tide predictions,” the National Weather Service office in San Diego said.
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Forecasters are also warning that Southern California could see a wet Halloween weekend.
“There is high confidence in measurable rainfall for most, if not all, of the area Friday through the weekend. However, confidence in timing of rainfall and totals remain very low… Residents should expect Halloween activities to be impacted by rainfall to some level,” the forecast said.
Newport Beach declared a local emergency earlier this week as the Orange County community prepared for unusually high king tides expected later this month.
Coastal water levels are forecast to rise significantly from Oct. 26 through Oct. 28. High tides are expected to begin Oct. 26 at a predicted 6.5 feet, with possible peaks of up to 8.3 feet.
The highest tides are forecast for Oct. 27, when levels are expected to reach 6.7 feet and could crest as high as 8.5 feet. Elevated tides are expected to persist Oct. 28, with a predicted high of 6.6 feet.
Newport Beach has also activated its emergency operations center to coordinate flood-prevention measures and response efforts.