Record-breaking king tides have submerged roads, homes, and businesses across Southern California, with the Pacific Coast Highway closed due to flooding in multiple locations. The tides, which peaked at 8 feet, 2 inches in the Los Angeles Harbor on October 27, 2026, broke a daily record set just the day prior. The flooding has disrupted transportation, damaged infrastructure, and forced residents to adapt to hazardous conditions.
Pacific Coast Highway inundated; Balboa Island Ferry suspended
The Pacific Coast Highway, a critical coastal route, was submerged in areas including Sunset Beach and Huntington Beach, preventing vehicle access. In Newport Beach, the Balboa Island Ferry, which has operated for over a century, temporarily suspended service after seawater surged over sea walls and flooded city streets. Residents reported water bubbling up through storm drains, a phenomenon described as unprecedented by locals.
Coastal communities report widespread damage
Flooding extended from Long Beach to San Diego, with images showing seawater filling streets, submerging vehicles, and damaging boardwalks. In Huntington Beach, residents used paddleboards to navigate flooded neighborhoods, while in Long Beach, crews worked to repair a damaged seawall at low tide. The so-called Pirate House in Newport Beach, a local landmark, also sustained flooding, prompting sandbagging efforts by fire crews.
Scientists cite multiple drivers behind record tides
Experts attribute the extreme tides to a combination of factors: the full moon’s gravitational pull, a super El Niño climate pattern, and a marine heat wave that has elevated sea levels by 1.25 to 1.8 feet above normal. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) noted that these conditions could worsen if the next king tide coincides with a winter storm and pounding surf.
Local officials warn of potential escalation
Orange County officials stated that the flooding could intensify as El Niño reaches its peak this winter. Newport Beach resident Bill Sharp, who has lived on the Balboa Peninsula for six decades, described the tides as the highest he had ever seen, noting that infrastructure was not designed to handle such extreme conditions. “Basically nothing in the city was built to deal with an eight-and-a-half-foot tide,” Sharp said.
Long-term implications and preparedness efforts
The flooding has raised concerns about the adequacy of coastal defenses amid rising sea levels. While some residents relied on sandbags and temporary barriers, others called for long-term solutions, including elevated infrastructure and improved drainage systems. The event has also highlighted the vulnerability of low-lying communities, particularly those with aging seawalls and inadequate flood mitigation measures.
What’s next?
Forecasters predict that the next king tide, expected in November, could bring even higher water levels if combined with storm surges. Coastal cities are urged to monitor updates and prepare for potential evacuations in high-risk areas.