Big surf and high tides have the potential to cause flooding, the National Weather Service warned on Thursday, Nov. 6.
The “Coastal Hazard Message” warning goes through late Friday night, with a west–northwest swell expected to bring 4- to 6-foot waves, with sets to 8 feet at some beaches, according to the agency’s San Diego office, which covers the Orange County region.
“Elevated surf combined with high tides could lead to minor tidal overflow,” the forecasters warn.
Also, strong rip currents and hazardous swimming conditions for inexperienced swimmers will be present.
Big waves up to 6 feet were already starting to show on Thursday in areas such as the Huntington Beach Pier.
Areas of the South Bay, including the Manhattan Beach Pier and El Porto, were expected to see similar wave heights.
Seal Beach, which can occasionally experience winter flooding when high tides and strong surf coincide, issued a warning on social media.
Lifeguards are expecting 3- to 5-foot surf and a 7-foot tide at 9:23 a.m. on Friday in the Seal Beach area.
Sand bags are available at the 8th Street Beach Lot and Fire Station #44, officials said.
Seal Beach and other beach towns have been building up sand berms to protect against winter flooding in recent weeks.
The extreme high tides will be about 7 feet at about 9:30 a.m. on Friday morning.
“A beach hazards statement is issued when threats such as rip currents and other hazards, such as minor tidal overflow, are likely,” officials said. “Caution should be used when in or near the water.”