King Tides Flood Orange and San Diego Coasts Through Thursday

The National Weather Service has a coastal flood warning for the Orange County and San Diego County coasts until 1 p.m. Thursday, October 29, for significant flooding during the late-morning high tides. Numerous roads may be closed, and low-lying homes, businesses and some infrastructure could be inundated, the San Diego office says. From San Luis Obispo County to the Los Angeles County beaches, including Malibu, Ventura and Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands, a coastal flood advisory warns of minor to moderate flooding over beach parking lots, bike paths and harbor walkways, and moderate to significant beach erosion.

These are king tides, the year's highest astronomical tides, running even higher than predicted. Newport Beach officials have reported water 15 to 22 inches above forecast levels, which Surfer magazine attributes to an El Niño-driven ocean wave that has raised sea level along the coast; Tuesday's high tide in Newport was expected to reach a record 8.5 feet. Several cities have declared local emergencies and built sand berms.

More is coming. The Weather Service expects widespread rain across Southern California Saturday, October 31, into Sunday, from a plume of Pacific moisture of the kind known as a Pineapple Express, with about an inch possible south of Point Conception and more in the foothills.

For surfers and beachgoers: expect closed lots and flooded beach paths around midday high tides, strong backwash and debris in the lineup, and poor water quality after the rain. County health departments usually advise staying out of the ocean for 72 hours after significant rain. Check your county's beach status and the Weather Service before going.