National Weather Service Issues High Surf & Coastal Flood Warning for This Weekend

On Friday, large waves hit southern beach communities, such as Newport Beach, and more flooding and high surf is expected over the weekend from Long Beach to Malibu.

The flooding risks stem form a confluence of events. Tropical Storm Rachel is expected to hit the coast near the California-Mexico border on Sunday and bring high winds that push water onto the shore. Warm ocean temperatures also increase the high tide by a foot or more, while, the Kelvin Wave, which has been traveling up the coastline for weeks, will reportedly add another six inches to a foot to the high tide.

South-facing beaches are particularly vulnerable, according to the National Weather Service, which issued a coastal flood warning that will stay in effect until 3 p.m. on Sunday. A separate high surf advisory on Sunday will be in effect from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m.

“For vulnerable south-facing beaches, especially Long Beach and Malibu, damaging sea-water flooding is likely,” the advisory states. “For all other beaches and harbors, minor coastal flooding is expected. High surf of 4 to 7 feet is also expected with strong rip currents.”

High tides will occur at both 9:27 a.m. and 10:06 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, and again at 9:52 a.m. and 10:48 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11.

“For all beach areas, significant erosion is expected,” according to the advisory. “There is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore. “

Sunday is expected to have the largest flooding risks “due to chances of rain, wind, low pressure tidal enhancements, and swells from multiple directions,” according to the NWS. High tides may rise more than 7 feet.