Coastal Flood Advisory Issued In Southland Beaches, Forecasters Warn Of Record High Tides

LOS ANGELES, CA — A coastal flood advisory went into effect this morning at Southland beaches, with forecasters warning of possible record high ties.

High tides between 7.5 and 8 feet are expected during the morning hours Sunday through Thursday over all coastal areas, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters said Monday through Wednesday's tides could challenge the current record of 7.93 feet set in San Pedro on Jan. 10, 2005. Records go back to 1924.

The coastal flood advisory runs from 5 a.m. Sunday to 1 p.m. Thursday, and applies to Los Angeles and Orange County beaches.

"Significant coastal flooding" is expected at some Orange County beaches.

"Numerous roads may be closed. Low lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure will be inundated," the NWS said Sunday. "Some shoreline erosion will occur in the morning hours."

In Los Angeles County, "minor coastal flooding is likely purely based on the high tides," the NWS said. "While these tides might be the highest of all-time, similar extreme tides in the past tell us that coastal communities should expect shallow flooding of harbor walkways, beach parking lots and bike paths."

Areas of Long Beach, Malibu and Newport Beach have already seen substantial damage to homes from high surf in recent weeks, and were on edge again preparing for the next wave of possible damage.

Metrolink will suspend service on its Orange County Line service between Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside for five days beginning Monday due to anticipated high tides along the southern Orange County coastline. In September, high tides and powerful waves overtopped tracks near San Clemente, causing erosion and slope damage that forced a temporary suspension of Metrolink, Amtrak and freight service while crews made emergency repairs.

The weather service said there was also a moderate rip current risk during the advisory period.

At the same time, warmer weather is expected to prevail in the Southland early this week, with daytime highs mostly in the mid- to upper 70s. By mid-week, however cooler conditions will follow with growing potential for a significant storm system toward the end of next week.

"The pattern will start to change around Thursday, with onshore flow returning, temperatures dropping, and low pressure forming over the West Coast. This will open the storm window over California, with a growing chance of a significant storm impacting the local area as early as Friday but more so for the weekend," the NWS said.

Forecasters said there is a 90% chance for rain sometime in the Oct. 30-Nov. 2 time frame, with Halloween activities likely to be impacted.