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Newport Beach is preparing for another round of unusually high tides that could flood coastal roads, threaten homes and businesses, and disrupt train service across Southern California.
The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning for Orange County’s coast and coastal areas of San Diego County. The warning began Sunday morning and runs through Thursday afternoon, Oct. 29. Los Angeles and Ventura counties are under coastal flood advisories.
Tides could rise 1 to 1.7 feet above predicted levels. Newport Beach expects tides of at least 6 feet starting Monday, with a chance of exceeding 8 feet. The highest tides are expected from Monday through Thursday, with the greatest concern early Tuesday.
Why Southern California faces higher tides
The elevated water levels are linked to warmer ocean temperatures and El Niño conditions.
Warmer seawater expands slightly, raising sea levels. Meanwhile, Kelvin waves traveling across the Pacific can push additional water toward the coast. Together, these factors can lift tides above normal levels even without a major storm.
The National Weather Service warns that repeated morning high tides could flood low-lying properties, close roads and erode parts of the shoreline. Beach parking lots, bike paths and walkways may also take on water.
Newport Beach residents prepare for flooding
Some coastal neighborhoods are already taking precautions. Parts of the Balboa Peninsula flooded earlier this month, and some residents are stacking sandbags and moving belongings away from areas that could take on water.
County crews are clearing debris from gutters and flood channels. They are also checking the channels to ensure people are not living in areas at risk of flooding.
In Long Beach, workers are rebuilding and reinforcing sand berms to help protect the shoreline.
The repeated high tides could affect low-lying homes, businesses and infrastructure along the Orange County coast. Residents in flood-prone areas should monitor local alerts and prepare to protect their property.
High tides could disrupt train service
The flooding threat could also affect coastal rail travel.
Metrolink plans to suspend Orange County Line service south of the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station from Monday through Friday. The closure affects the coastal route toward San Clemente and Oceanside.
The agency announced the planned suspension in advance so passengers could make other travel arrangements. The pause also allows Amtrak and freight operators more room to manage weather-related restrictions.
Travelers should check service updates before leaving and allow extra time for alternative routes.
What residents should do during the warning
Officials urge residents to watch for road closures and never drive around barricades or through floodwater. Even water that appears shallow can pose a serious risk.
People in flood-prone areas should prepare to protect their homes and follow evacuation instructions if authorities issue them. Residents should also avoid walking through floodwater, which can conceal hazards and dangerous currents.
With several days of elevated tides ahead, coastal communities should remain alert, especially during morning high tides and around Tuesday’s expected peak.
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