Environment & Climate
Southern California faces significant coastal flood warnings through Thursday
Coastal flood warnings cover San Diego and Orange counties through Thursday, and record high tides were set this week.
The short version
- The National Weather Service warned of significant coastal flooding in San Diego and Orange counties through Thursday.[The Guardian]
- Newport Beach city manager Seimone Jurjis said regional ocean water levels are about 15 to 22 inches higher than expected.[The Guardian]
- According to the weather service, record high tides were set this week in Santa Barbara, San Pedro, San Diego, and La Jolla.[Associated Press]
- NOAA records show Los Angeles has logged 12 coastal flood days in 2026, more than any year in the past 50.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- The National Weather Service warned of significant coastal flooding in San Diego and Orange counties through Thursday.[The Guardian]
- Newport Beach city manager Seimone Jurjis said regional ocean water levels are about 15 to 22 inches higher than expected, citing El Niño and a Kelvin wave.[The Guardian]
- According to the weather service, record high tides were set this week in Santa Barbara, San Pedro, San Diego, and La Jolla.[Associated Press]
- NOAA records show Los Angeles has logged 12 coastal flood days in 2026, more than any year in the past 50.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The 15 to 22 inch water-level figure is attributed to a city official and has not been independently confirmed in the reporting.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Southern California prepares for flooding amid forecast of ‘record-breaking tides’The Guardian - US
- King tides inundate streets and flood homes and businesses along both US coastsAssociated Press · Wire: associated-press
- California weather is ‘well into extreme territory’ with historic high tidesThe Guardian - Environment