Ocean water flooded streets in Newport Beach early Monday, marking the start of a week of potentially record‑high tides along Southern California’s coast. The Newport Beach Police Department reported that the high tide measured 8.3 feet on Monday and a peak of 8.5 feet is expected Tuesday.
Local response and safety measures
City officials quickly deployed water pumps and positioned sand berms to mitigate the flood threat. Police issued a statement urging residents in low‑lying or waterfront areas to take precautions, such as using sandbags or temporary flood barriers and moving vehicles to higher ground if necessary.
Parking enforcement will remain active through Wednesday evening to allow residents time to relocate vehicles from vulnerable spots. A coastal flooding advisory is in effect until 1 p.m. Thursday for parts of Orange County, as well as for Los Angeles and Ventura County beaches.
Forecasted tides and historical context
NBCLA forecaster Belen De Leon said the primary focus for the start of the week is the coast, where tides could challenge historic records. Morning tides of 7.5 to 8 feet are expected along the Los Angeles County shoreline. At San Pedro, a high tide of 7.93 feet was recorded on Jan. 10, 2005, and the location’s records date back to 1924, suggesting the upcoming surge could approach that benchmark.
In Orange County, tides are running about 1 to 1.7 feet above astronomical predictions, while Los Angeles County tides sit roughly 1 to 1.5 feet above predictions.
Areas at risk
Minor coastal flooding is likely in vulnerable low‑lying zones, including harbor walkways, beach parking lots, bike paths and normally sandy beaches. More significant flooding and damage could occur where sandy beaches have eroded or where previous high tides have already caused problems.
Recent weeks have seen damage to homes in Long Beach, Malibu and Newport Beach from high surf, underscoring the heightened risk this week.
Transportation impacts
The anticipated tides will also disrupt rail service along the Orange County coastline. Metrolink’s Orange County Line will be suspended beginning today between the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside stations, with trains terminating at Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo through Friday.
Weather outlook
Outside the immediate coastal threat, dry and warm weather is expected to continue across Los Angeles and Orange counties through Monday, with mostly clear skies and generally light winds. A gradual return of onshore winds is forecast for Tuesday, bringing slightly cooler temperatures and an increasing marine layer along the coast.
Another storm system could reach Southern California late Thursday or Friday. Measurable rain is possible for most, if not all, of the region between Friday and the weekend, though timing and amounts remain uncertain.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
