King Tides Bring Record Flooding to Newport Beach and Long Beach

Preliminary data from NOAA indicates that California's high tide on October 26 brought the highest coastal water levels in over a century of recordkeeping to both San Diego and Los Angeles. AccuWeather reports that San Diego's tide gauge hit 8.14 feet, almost 1.5 feet higher than predicted and just over an inch shy of the 8.26-foot record.

These exceptionally high tides, known as king tides, are a normal occurrence once or twice a year in coastal areas, according to the EPA. They happen when the Earth, moon, and sun align to create the greatest tidal effects. This year's full hunter's moon, combined with warm ocean waters from the Super El Niño, amplified the effect on the West Coast.

Video footage shows floodwaters reaching the doorsteps of multimillion-dollar homes in Southern California. In Long Beach, residents reported flooding in areas like Bayshore Beach, Naples, and the peninsula. Nancy Pinckert, a Naples resident, shared a video of water leaking through a seawall onto a walkway, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Coastal flood advisories and warnings are in effect from San Francisco down to San Diego, with a warning in place for San Diego through Friday. The National Weather Service has warned that late-morning high tides could flood homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure, close roads, and cause shoreline erosion. The next major statewide king tide periods are forecast for November 24–26, 2026.

If you live near the coast in Southern California, stay informed about local flood advisories and be prepared for potential road closures and property impacts, especially with another major king tide period expected next month.