Orange County residents are bracing for exceptionally high tides this week, expected to approach or break records along the coastline and elevate the threat of coastal flooding, beach erosion, and isolated property damage. A coastal flood warning remains in effect for the entire Orange County coastline until 1 p.m. Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), morning tides ranging from 7.5 to 8 feet are anticipated along the Los Angeles County coastline. Forecasters noted that Monday through Wednesday "could produce the highest on record." These tides are projected to challenge the 7.93-foot record observed at San Pedro on January 10, 2005, a location with records dating back to 1924. In Orange County, the tides are currently running approximately 1 to 1.7 feet above astronomical predictions, while along the Los Angeles County coastline, they are roughly 1 to 1.5 feet higher than predicted.
Homeowners and properties in areas such as Newport Beach have already experienced substantial damage from high surf in recent weeks, alongside Long Beach and Malibu. The NWS indicates that minor coastal flooding is likely in vulnerable low-lying areas, which include harbor walkways, beach parking lots, bike paths, and normally sandy beaches. More significant flooding and damage are possible in locations where little or no sandy beach remains, or where previous high tides have already caused problems for properties and infrastructure.
The anticipated high tides will also lead to significant disruptions for commuters and businesses relying on rail service along the Orange County coastline. Metrolink Orange County Line service will be suspended starting Monday between the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside stations. Trains will originate and terminate at the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station through Friday, impacting travel for many residents.
Away from the immediate coastal concerns, dry and warm weather is expected to persist across both Los Angeles and Orange counties through Monday, characterized by mostly clear skies and generally weak winds. A gradual return of onshore winds is forecasted for Tuesday, which is expected to bring slightly cooler temperatures and an increasing marine layer along the coast.
Looking ahead, forecasters indicate that another storm system could reach Southern California by late Thursday or Friday. This system is expected to create a "wet and unsettled Halloween weekend for Southern California." While the timing and precise rainfall amounts remain uncertain, forecasters expressed high confidence that measurable rain would fall across most, if not all, of the region between Friday and the weekend. Rainfall totals of one-half inch to 2 inches remain possible, though forecasters cautioned that actual amounts could be higher or lower as the storm develops.
