Record tides threaten LA coast

High tides moved into coastal Southern California on Monday morning, inundating streets and businesses in Long Beach and Newport Beach. The water levels are currently running above astronomical predictions and are expected to reach record highs.

In Long Beach, the tide rolled over sand berms at Bayshore Beach and crossed 54th Place. This flow reached waterfront businesses, including the restaurant Grill 'Em All. Water also entered a below-sea-level garage, submerging a restored 1968 Volkswagen Beetle parked inside. Annie Koury described the scene, saying the water came in suddenly and she had to close the car door to stop it from entering.

Newport Beach experienced similar conditions. The Balboa Fun Zone faced the heaviest flooding despite the placement of sandbags. Water entered from the bay side of the peninsula, suggesting that sand berms on the ocean side held back additional water. Morning tides in the area reached 8.3 feet, exceeding predictions by more than one foot.

The National Weather Service expects tides to remain high through Thursday. Forecasters noted that tides in Orange County are running 1 to 1.7 feet above predictions, while the Los Angeles County coastline is seeing levels 1 to 1.5 feet higher than expected. The NWS stated that Monday through Wednesday could produce the highest tides on record.

Specific records are in play at San Pedro, where a high tide of 7.93 feet was recorded on Jan. 10, 2005. Current data for that location dates back to 1924. A coastal flood warning is active for the Orange County coastline until 1 p.m. Thursday. A coastal flood advisory covers the Los Angeles County coastline until the same time.

Huntington Beach announced a closure for Pacific Coast Highway on Tuesday. The road between Warner Ave and Anderson St will be closed from 8 a.m. to noon. The city posted on X that this precaution is to keep drivers safe during the high tide event.

Residents in Huntington Beach can obtain sand and sandbags at three locations. The City Corporate Yard at 17371 Gothard Street is open through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Edison Community Center at 21377 Magnolia Street and the Warner Fire Station at 3831 Warner Avenue are both available 24/7.

Minor coastal flooding is likely in low-lying areas such as harbor walkways and beach parking lots. More severe damage is possible in spots where sandy beaches have already eroded or where previous tides caused issues. Homes in Long Beach, Malibu, and Newport Beach have already been red-tagged in recent weeks due to high surf and flooding.