King Tides Return: Orange & San Diego Face Coastal Flooding

A coastal flood advisory is currently in effect for Orange and San Diego counties, with high tides anticipated to reach between 7.1 and 7.6 feet. This advisory extends through Tuesday, November 10, 2026. Although these tides are significant, they are not expected to be as high as the record-breaking 8 to 8.2-foot tides experienced last week.

Last week, on October 27, 2026, king tides set a century-old record at the Los Angeles Harbor, reaching 8.2 feet in San Pedro. Similar tidal flooding impacted businesses and homes along Pacific Coast Highway at Sunset Beach in Huntington Beach on the same day. The Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach also experienced record flooding on October 26, 2026.

The recent record-breaking tides were attributed to a combination of king tides, unusually warm Pacific Ocean waters, and El Niño-driven Kelvin waves. The National Weather Service anticipates this current coastal flooding event to be less severe, primarily affecting low-lying walkways. Meanwhile, a beach hazard statement is in effect for Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to rough surf and a high risk of rip currents.

Looking ahead, king tides are predicted to return during Thanksgiving week. Without any storms, these tides could reach heights of 8.4 to 8.5 feet, with a storm potentially pushing them even higher. The swell for the current event originates from the west to northwest, making areas like Long Beach and Malibu, which were heavily impacted in September and early October, less vulnerable.