Malibu Braces For Coastal Flooding, Record Tides As Storm Looms

MALIBU, CA — Record-setting tides along the Southern California coast are raising concerns about flooding and property damage in Malibu this week, with a potentially significant rainstorm expected to follow over Halloween weekend.

The city of Malibu warned Monday that unusually high tides could cause coastal flooding, beach erosion and hazardous conditions through Thursday, particularly in low-lying areas and along beachfront properties.

The warning comes as exceptionally high tides had already flooded streets in Orange County and broken a century-old record at the San Pedro tide gauge Monday.

On Monday morning, the tide at San Pedro reached a preliminary 8.02 feet, breaking the previous record of 7.93 feet set Jan. 10, 2005, according to the National Weather Service. Records at the location date to 1923.

Forecasters said tides could climb even higher Tuesday.

In Newport Beach, an 8.3-foot tide flooded streets Monday, prompting officials to deploy pumps and sand berms to protect vulnerable neighborhoods. Tides there could reach 8.5 feet Tuesday.

For Malibu, the highest tides are expected Tuesday and Wednesday, according to city officials.

Flooding could affect beach parking lots, bike paths and coastal walkways, while erosion and rising water levels could threaten oceanfront homes and other structures.

Stronger waves expected Wednesday and Thursday could worsen the conditions.

A coastal flood advisory remains in effect along the Los Angeles County coastline until 1 p.m. Thursday, according to the NWS.

Tides along the county's coast have been running about 1 to 1.5 feet above astronomical predictions, forecasters said.

More substantial flooding and damage are possible in areas where little sandy beach remains to absorb wave energy or where previous high tides have already caused erosion.

Storm Ahead

The coastal flooding threat comes ahead of a storm system that could bring widespread rain to Southern California over Halloween weekend.

The NWS forecasts a potentially moderate to strong storm, with Malibu officials warning that 0.5 to 2 inches of rain could fall between Friday and Monday.

The greatest chance of rainfall is Saturday and Sunday, although the timing and intensity remain uncertain.

Rain coinciding with unusually high tides could worsen coastal flooding, city officials warned.

The approaching storm also raises concerns about flooding and mud and debris flows in the Franklin and Palisades fire burn areas.

Across Los Angeles County, forecasters expect roughly 1 inch of rain in most areas, with higher totals possible in foothills and coastal slopes. The NWS said there is a 20% to 30% chance that rainfall amounts could reach twice the current projections.

How To Prepare

In the meantime, Malibu officials are urging residents to prepare for coastal flooding and avoid flooded roads, parking lots and walkways.

Beachfront property owners are encouraged to inspect their properties for potential vulnerabilities and take protective measures before the highest tides arrive.

The city has made filled sandbags available to Malibu residents at the Malibu Equestrian Center, 6225 Merritt Drive.

Sand and empty bags are also available at three locations:

• Fire Station 70, 3970 Carbon Canyon Road at Pacific Coast Highway.
• Camp 13, 1252 Encinal Canyon Road.
• Zuma Beach's main entrance off Pacific Coast Highway.

Residents are urged to monitor weather alerts, avoid driving through floodwaters and obey barricades in flood-prone areas.

City News Service contributed to this report.