California high surf and coastal flooding risk continues until Wednesday

California beaches face continued flooding and dangerous surf through Wednesday, according to weather officials. This follows a record-breaking summer ocean water level in San Francisco and the distribution of sandbags in Newport Beach to mitigate property damage from king tides.

Why are San Francisco water levels reaching record highs?

San Francisco recorded its highest-ever summer ocean water level late Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. The level reached 1.83 feet above normal high tide.

Officials stated this is the highest level recorded outside of the November to March window, when winter storms typically cause surges. Water level records for the area date back to 1898.

Did You Know? San Francisco’s recent water level of 1.83 feet above normal high tide is the highest recorded summer level since record-keeping began in 1898.

How is Newport Beach managing flood risks?

The city of Newport Beach issued warnings for a series of king tides continuing through Tuesday. City employees have distributed sandbags to residents to protect property from flooding.

Officials urged beachgoers to avoid parking in low-lying areas. In a statement, the city urged motorists to drive slowly through flooded areas to prevent wakes that could worsen flooding and impact nearby properties.

Last week, the ocean swell produced historic 20-foot waves at the Wedge, a surf break located at the tip of the Balboa Peninsula.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the deployment of municipal resources like sandbags highlights the immediate economic stakes for coastal property owners during king tide events. The city’s focus on motorist behavior suggests a need to manage secondary flood risks caused by human activity in vulnerable zones.

What are the safety risks for California beachgoers?

A coastal flood advisory remains in effect through Wednesday morning, with weather officials noting that the highest tides will occur in the evening. The greatest threat of sneaker waves and dangerous rip currents has been on beaches facing south or southwest.

POWERFUL WAVES at Ocean Beach when the king tides flooded Newport Beach in July 2020

High surf led to two deaths last week. In Santa Cruz, one woman died and another remained in critical condition after being swept out to sea on Wednesday. On Thursday, officials recovered the body of 5-year-old Amada Mia Brown of San Bernardino in Laguna Beach after she vanished in high surf two days prior.

Officials advise beachgoers to stay off jetties and rocks. If caught in a rip current, officials recommend swimming along the shoreline rather than directly back to the beach, treading water, and calling for help.

What may happen next?

Property damage in low-lying areas could increase if king tides persist through Tuesday. Motorist activity in flooded zones may further impact nearby properties if wakes are created.

Risk to life could remain elevated until the coastal flood advisory expires Wednesday morning, particularly for those visiting south or southwest facing beaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the coastal flood advisory end?
According to the weather service, the advisory remains in effect through Wednesday morning.

What precautions is Newport Beach taking?
The city is distributing sandbags to residents and urging motorists to drive slowly through flooded areas to avoid creating wakes.

How should someone react to a rip current?
Officials advise not to panic, to swim along the shoreline instead of directly back to the beach, to tread water, and to call for help.

How do you prepare your property for unexpected coastal flooding?