No flooding from king tides in Newport, H.B., Seal Beach
The king tides that rolled into Orange County beach communities Tuesday morning did not result in the flooding that the National Weather Service had warned about, officials said.
The service issued a warning Monday that above-average high tides could result in tidal flooding in some low seaside areas until 11 a.m. Wednesday.
High tide Tuesday morning reached 6.8 feet. Wednesday’s high tide is expected at about 9 a.m.
Newport Beach Public Works placed sand berms along lower beach areas to prevent flooding on Balboa Island and the bay side of the peninsula.
A small swell came in as the tide began to return to normal late Tuesday morning, bringing surfers down to the water, lifeguards reported.
A 9-foot berm was placed on the south side of Seal Beach in preparation for the rising water level, said lifeguard Brian Schiefer.
Officials reported 5-foot waves Tuesday on the north side of the Huntington Beach and Seal Beach piers.
Waves in Newport were more moderate, rolling in at 3 to 5 feet in some areas.
Surfline.com forecast similar surfing conditions for Wednesday.
The National Weather Service warned that elevated surf could bring strong rip currents. Lifeguards urge swimmers and surfers to be cautious when entering the water.
—Hannah Fry