Key facts
- Significant coastal flooding is expected in San Diego and Orange counties through Thursday.
- Tides could reach as high as 8 feet in coastal areas from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles counties.
- Newport Beach has declared a local emergency and is deploying resources to prepare for flooding.
- Ocean water levels are currently 15 to 22 inches higher than expected in the region.
Southern California coastal communities are bracing for days of flooding as potentially record-breaking tides are forecast through Thursday. The National Weather Service issued warnings for significant flooding in San Diego and Orange counties, with potential impacts on roads, homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. Coastal areas from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles counties could experience minor to moderate flooding with tides reaching up to 8 feet. Newport Beach has already declared a local emergency, deploying staff to reinforce defenses and distribute sandbags. City officials noted that current ocean water levels are already 15 to 22 inches above normal due to El Niño and a Kelvin wave, exacerbating the risk during the high tides.