King tides, high surf bring flooding concerns to Southern California beaches

Southern California beaches are seeing high surf and minor flooding Friday morning as king tides and big waves combine along the coast.

At Huntington Beach, KTLA’s Omar Lewis reported early Friday that surfers were already out chasing waves as sets over six feet rolled in ahead of the morning’s highest tide.

“Surfers are out here early, chasing those long rides as big sets of waves begin rolling in,” Lewis said. “The strongest waves are expected to line up with this morning’s king tide, which is expected between 8 and 10 a.m.”

Lifeguards were on duty keeping watch as the National Weather Service kept a high surf advisory in effect for Los Angeles and Orange County beaches through the afternoon, warning of strong rip currents, sneaker waves and minor coastal flooding.

A west-northwest swell is driving surf in the 3-to-7-foot range across the Ventura, Malibu, L.A. County and Orange County coasts, with even larger sets farther north. Officials say the combination of the seven-foot high tide and the elevated surf could send water into beachfront parking lots, paths and other low-lying areas.

Overnight in Seal Beach, crews were called just after 10 p.m. Thursday for flooding south of the pier. Video obtained by KTLA showed mud and water spreading across the sand and nearby paths, and city maintenance teams pumping water back into the ocean ahead of Friday’s 9:20 a.m. high tide.

Seal Beach officials said they’ve begun building winter sand berms and stocking sandbag stations near the beach and Fire Station 44 as part of their effort to stay ahead of potential flooding.

Beach hazard and high surf statements also remain in effect through Saturday morning for Ventura County, where surf could reach up to 8 feet.

Forecasters and lifeguards are urging people to:

• Stay off rocks and jetties, which can be overtopped by large waves.
• Keep a safe distance from the surf and avoid flooded areas.
• Only enter the water if experienced and near a staffed lifeguard tower.

The flooding threat is expected to ease later Friday, but elevated surf and strong currents could continue into Saturday along portions of the coast.