Flood Warning In Effect for Belmont Shore

The first of four days of above-average tide levels began hitting the Southern California coast today, raising the possibility of coastal flooding.

The National Weather Service forecast that the so-called King Tides, the highest astronomical tides of the year, will be seen in the hours just after dawn until at least Friday.

An advisory is also in effect in Los Angeles County, with forecasters saying minor flooding is possible during the morning high tide in areas such as Long Beach, Playa del Rey, Venice and Malibu.

The NWS warned that beach parking lots and nearby streets and structures could be left briefly under water, while stronger rip currents would be present off-shore.

Affected areas were likely to face more severe issues Wednesday, with on- shore winds and three- to four-foot surf compounding the impact of the higher tide, according to the NWS.

The highest level of the week will be Wednesday, the NWS said, with a level of 7.6 feet at 7:51 a.m., followed by 7.5 feet on Thursday at 8:31 a.m., and 7.3 feet at 9:12 a.m. Friday.

Orange County’s Seal and Sunset beaches were considered the most susceptible to localized flooding, the NWS said, while La Jolla, Cardiff, Oceanside, South Mission and Imperial beaches were likely to experience some inundation in San Diego County.

A coastal flooding advisory will be in effect in those areas until Friday morning.

Throughout the county, sand bags are available at fire houses and lifeguard stations throughout the city if residents wanted to take extra precautions.

City News Service; Photo: Patch Archive