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 is expected in San Diego and Orange counties through Thursday that could close roads and inundate homes, businesses and critical infrastructure. To the north, a wide swath of the coast from San Luis Obispo county to Los Angeles county could see “minor to moderate” coastal flooding with tides as high as 8ft.
More than a week before the exceptionally high tides were forecast to arrive, the Orange county city of Newport Beach declared a local emergency to prepare for flooding. Staff were deploying across the area to inspect infrastructure, reinforce beach berms and install sandbags and other equipment, the city said. Newport Beach is providing free sandbags and advised residents to inspect vulnerable areas around their properties.
Due to El Niño and the Kelvin wave, ocean water levels in the region have already been about 15 to 22in higher than expected, Newport Beach city manager Seimone Jurjis said in a statement. This month has already brought extreme weather in the region, including flooding that overtook city streets and large waves that struck beachside homes. The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel left a trail of destruction in California, significantly damaging homes, destroying a boardwalk and forcing residents to evacuate.
With a historic El Niño unfolding in the Pacific, California is expected to face severe storms this winter.
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