The National Weather Service has upgraded the Southern California coast from a flood advisory to a coastal flood warning, covering Malibu, Los Angeles County beaches, Catalina and Santa Barbara islands, Orange County and San Diego County. The warnings took effect this afternoon, Oct. 9, and run until 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11.
Forecasters say Sunday morning is the biggest concern. Rain, wind, low pressure and swells from Tropical Storm Rachel arriving from multiple directions could combine with high tides above 7 feet, and the weather service says Sunday’s flooding could match earlier days or turn out far worse.
What does a coastal flood warning mean?
A warning is a step up from an advisory. An advisory tells people to be aware. A warning means flooding is happening or about to happen and people should act.
The upgrade did not come out of nowhere. This morning, ocean water poured into the streets of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, and waves broke through the Long Beach Peninsula’s bulkhead, leaving several homes unsafe to enter. The weather service had signaled earlier today that a warning was likely.
Which beaches face the most danger?
The weather service in Los Angeles says beaches that face south, especially Long Beach and Malibu, are likely to see damaging seawater flooding that can hit beach roads and buildings around high tide. Other beaches and harbors should expect shallow, minor flooding on sand and walkways. Surf of 4 to 7 feet and strong rip currents are expected, and a separate high surf advisory covers Los Angeles County beaches from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday…