Unusually High Tides Threaten Coastal Areas Of Southern California
SEAL BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Authorities advised residents to brace for potential flooding Tuesday as unusually high tides swell in coastal areas.
According to the National Weather Service, the highest tides are expected to appear through Thursday.
Waves were expected to reach as high as 6.9 feet by 10 a.m. on Wednesday, forecasters said.
Surf is expected to build 10 to 12 feet higher along the central coast, while beaches south of Point Conception may see waves ranging 6 to 10 feet.
A long-period northwest swell will occur Wednesday through Friday, according to the NWS.
"The Los Angeles Fire Department and Beaches and Harbors Los Angeles County are working to prepare for the tides and are laying out sandbags in key areas and making sandbags available to residents," said L.A. City Councilman Mike Bonin. "Please visit your local fire station to get the sandbags you need to protect your property from flooding."
Low line areas such as parking lots and even buildings could receive minor flooding as a result of the swells.
"Sandbags are obviously a good choice to make," added O.C. Fire Authority Capt. Evan Sornborger. "It will divert the water."
Sandbags were also being offered in Venice, Westchester, Playa Vista and Mar Vista, according to Bonin.
Other locations that are prone to flooding from high tides include Long Beach, Pismo Beach and Oceano Beach.
Crews are expected to work on reinforcing the beaches through the middle of the week.
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