King Tides Raise Flood Risk Along California’s Coast
WHO:
Miami Herald - Donal Harrigan, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Miami office, warned that rain would worsen flooding in areas already affected by king tides.
Miami Herald - Brian McNoldy, a University of Miami hurricane researcher, said the Virginia Key tidal gauge had recorded five consecutive days of moderate flooding.
CBS News US - Beach communities in Southern California experienced damaging surf.
CBS News US - Akiko Fujita reported on the conditions, and Andrew Kozak provided the forecast.
WHAT:
Miami Herald - South Florida’s king tides were expected to combine with 1 to 2 inches of coastal rain and onshore winds, increasing flood risk.
Miami Herald - Virginia Key recorded moderate flooding about 1.6 feet above sea level; forecasts indicated possible major flooding about 2.5 feet above normal.
Miami Herald - Sea levels rose about 1 foot over 80 years, including 8 inches in the last 30 years; projections suggest the next foot could take 30 years and the following foot 20 years.
Miami Herald - South Florida has spent hundreds of millions of dollars elevating roads, upgrading stormwater infrastructure, and testing nature-based drainage.
Miami Herald - A gale warning called for sustained winds near 40 mph and gusts up to 45 mph; a high risk of rip currents was also reported.
CBS News US - Southern California beach communities experienced damaging surf amid unusually high tides.
NY Post - A flood alert was issued for Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties.
NY Post - High tides were expected to likely reach up to 8 feet each morning, 1.0 to 1.5 feet above astronomical projections.
WHERE:
Miami Herald - Flooding affected low-lying coastal areas across Miami-Dade County, including streets and parks; the Virginia Key tidal gauge recorded flooding.
CBS News US - The damaging surf affected beach communities across Southern California.
NY Post - The flood alert covered Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties.
WHY:
Miami Herald - Onshore winds pushed seawater onto land, while a passing low-pressure system was expected to bring tropical-storm-strength gusts and push more water ashore.
CBS News US - Warm temperatures and El Niño fueled unusually high tides.
HOW:
CBS News US - Akiko Fujita reported on the conditions, and Andrew Kozak provided a forecast.
NY Post - The predicted high tides were 1.0 to 1.5 feet above astronomical projections.
(UPDATED October 26, 2026 02:17 UTC)
Coastal communities in South Florida and Southern California are facing flooding and dangerous surf as unusually high tides combine with wind and rain. In Miami-Dade County, king tides have flooded low-lying streets and parks, and the Virginia Key gauge recorded moderate flooding for five consecutive days. Forecasters warned that 1 to 2 inches of rain and onshore winds could worsen conditions, with flooding potentially rising from about 1.6 feet above sea level to a major level near 2.5 feet. A gale warning called for winds near 40 miles per hour, with stronger gusts, and officials also reported a high risk of rip currents. Meanwhile, damaging surf has hit Southern California beaches, and flood alerts cover four counties. High tides there could reach 8 feet each morning, driven by warm temperatures and El Niño.
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(UPDATED October 26, 2026 01:33 UTC)
Southern California beach communities are facing damaging surf as unusually high tides raise the risk of coastal flooding. A flood alert covers Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties. The tides are expected to reach as high as 8 feet each morning, running 1.0 to 1.5 feet above astronomical projections. Warm temperatures and El Niño are fueling the unusually high water levels. The combination of elevated tides and rough surf is affecting beaches across the region, prompting concern in coastal areas. Akiko Fujita reported on the conditions, while Andrew Kozak provided the forecast. Residents and visitors in the alert area should be aware that the high tides are expected to return each morning, with surf conditions adding to the threat along the Southern California coast.