Orange County experienced significant coastal flooding earlier this week due to unusually high tides, leading to the closure of segments of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and disruptions to Metrolink service. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that very high morning tides are anticipated to continue through Thursday.
On Tuesday morning, both northbound and southbound lanes of PCH were closed between Warner Avenue and Seal Beach Boulevard, according to Caltrans. Additionally, northbound PCH was shut down between Seapoint Street and Warner Avenue. These closures were a direct result of the flooding.
In Newport Beach, the waterway beneath the Newport Boulevard Bridge was closed for two hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. This measure was implemented to protect nearby properties from boat wakes during the morning's high tide, which peaked at approximately 8.5 feet around 9:50 a.m., as reported by Newport Beach police. Boaters across Newport Harbor were advised to reduce speed and exercise caution near low-lying waterfront areas.
Monday also saw extensive flooding in Newport Beach, with high tides reaching 8.3 feet and inundating low-lying streets. In response, water pumps were activated, and sand berms were positioned to safeguard vulnerable neighborhoods, particularly along the Balboa Peninsula. Parking enforcement was suspended through Wednesday evening to allow residents to relocate vehicles from areas prone to flooding.
The high tides disrupted regional rail service along the Orange County coastline. Metrolink Orange County Line service was suspended on Monday between the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside stations. Trains are originating and terminating at Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo through Friday.
The National Weather Service indicated that the current tidal events were running approximately 1 to 1.7 feet above astronomical predictions for Orange County. The agency noted, "Minor coastal flooding is likely purely based on the high tides." A tide gauge in San Pedro registered 8.02 feet on Monday, surpassing the previous record of 7.93 feet set on January 10, 2005. Records at this gauge date back to November 1923, and tides may remain near record levels through Wednesday. Forecasters cautioned that more significant flooding and damage could occur in areas with limited or no sandy beaches, or where previous high tides have already caused issues.
As of Thursday, a coastal flood warning remained in effect for the Orange County coastline through 1 p.m. Looking ahead, dry and mild conditions are generally expected across both Los Angeles and Orange counties through at least Friday, with a gradual cooling trend and increasing clouds. The NWS also mentioned a storm system for the upcoming weekend, with computer models indicating a high chance of rain from Saturday into Sunday, though amounts are currently projected to be less than an inch for most areas. Current projections suggest approximately one-third to one-half inch of rain across most regions if the system materializes, with the eastern San Gabriel Mountains potentially receiving about an inch.
These high tide conditions highlight the ongoing challenges and protective measures required for Orange County's coastal infrastructure and properties.
