King Tides Bring Flood Risk Through Friday

King tides, the highest astronomical tides of the year, are on the way to beaches from San Diego to Orange County, but the forecasted waves aren’t high enough to cause a great deal of concern in Seal Beach, lifeguards said today.

Seal Beach has its “stronger, bigger” winter berm in place, and if that is breached there are pumps throughout the city that can suck up any excess, said Seal Beach Marine Safety Officer Nick Bolin.

“The pumps have been placed throughout the city and are on standby ready to be turned on, however, with the minimal surf forecast we’re not expecting any flooding,” Bolin said.

Waves are only expected to be one- to two-feet high, Bolin said.

The tide is expected to be higher in the San Diego area, Bolin said.

Newport Beach and Sunset Beach are also especially susceptible to the high tides, according to the National Weather Service.

The tide is forecast to be about 7 1/2 feet Wednesday in Orange and San Diego counties, according to the National Weather Service.

However, the waves will be about two to four feet in Orange County, meteorologist Brett Albright said.

The king tide and a storm system cycling into the area will help kick up the surf a bit, Albright said.

The stronger, higher berm and pumps in Seal Beach have been installed to brace to an El Nino winter, Bolin said.

Sand bags will be available at fire houses and lifeguard stations in the city if residents want to take extra precautions, Bolin said.

City News Service