Southern California coastal communities are bracing for days of flooding due to forecasted record-breaking tides this week, with warnings of road closures and damage to homes and infrastructure.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings of significant coastal flooding in San Diego and Orange counties through Thursday, with tides potentially reaching 8ft. To the north, areas from San Luis Obispo county to Los Angeles county may experience minor to moderate flooding. Preliminary data from the San Pedro tide gauge showed tides at 8.02ft, the highest recorded since 1923.
Newport Beach declared a local emergency ahead of the high tides, deploying staff to inspect infrastructure and reinforce flood defenses. El Niño and a Kelvin wave have already raised ocean levels by 15 to 22in, increasing the risk of flooding during high tides. The region has already experienced extreme weather this month, including damage from Tropical Storm Rachel.
Why it matters
Newport Beach residents face heightened flood risks due to elevated ocean levels and record tides threatening infrastructure and homes.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
The effectiveness of Newport Beach's flood defenses during the high tides will be a key indicator of preparedness.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.