King Tides Threaten California, South Carolina Coasts

Southern California faces unusually high morning king tides from Sunday through Thursday, with water levels forecast to reach roughly 7.5 to 8 feet and potentially approach historical records. Coastal flooding and erosion could affect low-lying roads, properties, harbor walkways, bike paths and parking areas, while rough surf and rip currents pose additional hazards. Newport Beach declared a state of emergency, activated its Emergency Operations Center and built sand berms; Metrolink plans to suspend Orange County Line service between Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside from Monday through Friday because waves have threatened coastal tracks. Rain is possible in Southern California later in the week, though its timing and totals remain uncertain. Separately, strong onshore winds and high astronomical tides are bringing coastal flooding and hazardous surf to South Carolina’s Lowcountry, with the greatest impacts expected around Monday morning’s high tide.