OC Man Forced From Home After High Tide Flooding Swamps Property: Report

SUNSET BEACH, CA — An Orange County man is being forced to leave his home after several inches of seawater caused by brutal days of high tide flooded his property, KTLA reported.

Paul, a Sunset Beach resident, told KTLA on Sunday that his home sustained extensive damage during recent flooding, impacting almost every room.

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"It was bad. It was awful," he told KTLA. "When I got home from work, when I heard that my house was flooding, there was three, four, not five inches of water from front to back of the house and all the bedrooms and everything," Paul said.

The flooding destroyed household items such as area rugs, power strips, lamps and a computer printer, Paul said.

Another round of higher-than-usual tides are expected to hit Orange County through Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

According to the National Weather Service, residents can expect the high tide to peak at 7.2-7.4 feet Monday and Tuesday, which is 1.2 to 1.4 feet above astronomical tide predictions.

Orange County residents should prepare for the flooding of parking lots and local roads, and potential road closures.

"If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed," the National Weather Service said in a statement."Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth."

Drivers were urged to take extra caution where it comes to ocean water exposure and their vehicle, as salt water can create problems with car engines.

Kandace Redd of AAA told Patch that salt water exposure can cause severe vehicle damage over time because it accelerates corrosion.

"Saltwater can do serious damage to your vehicle. It speeds up corrosion, which can cause rust, damage brakes, and affect electrical systems. Even after the water dries, salt residue can remain and continue causing damage. Repairs can be costly, and some damage can even compromise your safety," Redd said. "If your vehicle's undercarriage has been exposed to saltwater, don't risk driving it. You should have it towed to a qualified mechanic for an inspection to help prevent further damage."

Motorists who have had their cars exposed to floodwater were urged to get their vehicles inspected promptly.

Owners of electric vehicles were urged to take extra care, as salt water can damage electric vehicles and create a slow-forming fire hazard by gradually damaging the battery.

"Saltwater is concerning, especially for electric or hybrid vehicles. It can damage electrical components and the high-voltage battery system," Redd said. "If your EV has been exposed to saltwater, don't start or charge it. Have it checked by a qualified professional as soon as possible."

Huntington Beach firefighters advised the public that damaged lithium ion batteries can overheat, release toxic gases, ignite, or explode hours, days, weeks or months after a storm.

"A battery can remain hazardous even after it dries out," firefighters said in a statement. "Protect batteries from floodwaters before a storm and treat any water-damaged battery as a potential fire risk."