Seal Beach Braces For Storm, Flooding Along OC Coast

SEAL BEACH, CA —Orange County's coastal communities remain under a flood watch through Thursday with pounding high surf and a large swell expected to follow Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

The coastal community of Seal Beach has protected properties with a large winter sand berm. It serves as a barricade between the Pacific and beachfront homes and businesses. Due to storm conditions, the ocean may find its way around those to pool behind the barrier, according to Seal Beach Marine Safety Lieutenant Chris Pierce.

Thursday morning's high tide will be at 7:35 a.m. at 7.4 feet in Seal Beach and nearby Huntington Beach, according to the tidal forecast.

"We are looking for large amounts of rain early in the day, there may be standing water in low-lying areas," Pierce said. "We anticipate an increase in surf over 36 hours and don't anticipate it going over our winter berm, but it may go around. We will be mindful and watching for that to happen."

Pierce says that water pumps are already in place, ready to divert water away from homes and properties.

Residents can also protect their property by obtaining free sand bags at all Seal Beach fire stations during the winter months, according to the city.

During the storm, the rising surf and waves will be tempting to surfers, though, with bacteria levels raised across the county's beaches, surfers and swimmers were not advised to go in the water. The lure of the incoming swell may be too tempting for them to adhere to the warnings, Pierce said.

"The swell is coming in on Friday and it's going to be one of the bigger ones we've seen," Pierce said. Waves of over 15 feet were predicted for the central coast, but those will taper off as the swell moves down the coastline Friday.

"We are a south-facing beach, but we expect to get hit by that west swell," he said.

The Seal Beach Marine Safety division expects waves at minimum in the 6 to 8-foot range.

Huntington Beach residents were also concerned about flooding this week.

The City of Huntington Beach is expecting a significant weather system bringing heavy rain, significant winds, and high surf beginning this evening and into the coming days. The City is advising residents in low-lying areas such as Sunset Beach to prepare for the potential for localized flooding and to remain vigilant of hazardous storm conditions.

With the flood watch, drivers should expect potential problems on the roadways. Surban and small stream flooding, rocks and debris on roads, downed trees, numerous power outages, and mud and debris flows out of recent burn areas are all possible while the city is under a flood watch, the NWS predicted.

In anticipation, the city of Huntington Beach has deployed additional resources to assist residents and businesses with preparations.

Free sandbag fill stations are available to Huntington Beach residents and businesses at the following locations:

• Edison Community Center – 21377 Magnolia Street (Available 24/7)
• Warner Fire Station – 3831 Warner Avenue (Available 24/7)
• Huntington Beach Corporate Yard – 17371 Gothard Street (Available 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.)

For seniors and those with disabilities, sandbag delivery is available and can be requested by calling (714) 536-5974.

"Due to expected high tide and surf, the staff is conducting ongoing inspection and reinforcement of the berm located in Sunset Beach to safeguard residents and property. At this time, there are no beach or pier closures in effect," a Huntington Beach city spokesperson said. "Marine Safety will be monitoring beach and pier conditions and will issue closures if necessary."

Coastal residents are used to flooding during storms, but sometimes they can be taken by surprise, as in December of 2021.

The NWS reported that most flood deaths occur in vehicles, so if you encounter a flooded area while driving — turn around and don't drown.