Urgent flood alert issued across California as monster king tides sweep in

Coastal areas in California are bracing for possible flooding due to “very high” king tides.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a coastal flood advisory, starting 5 a.m. Sunday to 1 p.m. Thursday for beaches in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

High tides will likely reach up to eight feet each morning, which is 1.0 to 1.5 feet above astronomical projections, according to the forecasters.

“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 read.

Coastal flood warning has also been issued for San Diego County and Orange County. 

“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,” NWS San Diego said.

Southern California is also likely to have a “wet Halloween weekend,” the NWS said.

“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 read.

Earlier this week, Newport Beach had declared a local emergency ahead of exceptionally high king tides expected to hit the idyllic Orange County community later this month.

Coastal water levels are expected to crest at elevated heights from Oct. 26 to 28. The high tides will begin on Oct. 26, with a predicted height of 6.5 feet and potentially reaching 8.3 feet.

The tides will peak on Oct. 27, hitting 6.7 feet with potential crests up to 8.5 feet. Elevated conditions are expected to continue on Oct. 28, reaching a predicted 6.6 feet.

Newport Beach has also activated its emergency operations center to coordinate flood prevention and response efforts.

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