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California Coast Swamped by Record King Tides
27 Oct
Summary
- Record King Tides caused severe flooding in coastal California cities.
- Coastal Flood Advisories are active from San Francisco to San Diego.
- King Tides are the highest natural tides, driven by astronomical factors.

Record-high King Tides have inundated portions of the California coastline, leading to substantial coastal flooding in several major cities. In Los Angeles, water levels reached 2.54 feet above normal, while San Diego and Santa Monica also experienced flooding exceeding 2.50 feet.
Coastal Flood Advisories and Warnings have been issued and remain in effect from San Francisco southward to San Diego through Friday. The city of Newport Beach has declared a local state of emergency and is implementing a sand replenishment project to combat beach erosion.
King Tides represent the highest naturally occurring high tides of the year, exacerbated by astronomical factors like the full moon. These tides can push seawater inland through storm drains, flooding coastal streets even on clear days. Residents are advised to anticipate significant beach erosion, higher surf, and flooded parking lots and roads, with low-lying properties potentially impacted.