Orange County Coast and San Diego County Coastal Areas are included in a coastal flood advisory released by the National Weather Service on Saturday at 2:08 p.m. The advisory is valid from Monday 5 a.m. until Wednesday Sept. 30, at 5 p.m.
“Minor coastal flooding expected due to the combination of high tides and elevated surf,” the NWS San Diego CA said. “Elevated surf of 3-5 feet expected. Local sets to 6 feet possible on south-facing beaches. Morning high tides are expected to peak between 6.7 feet and 7.0 through Wednesday, peaking Tuesday morning. The listed tide predictions have been corrected to reflect current trends in actual tide observations.”
“Minor coastal flooding and minor coastal erosion expected during high tides. Additionally, elevated surf will lead to strong rip currents,” according to the NWS. “Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions. Avoid beaches during morning high tides.”
Your guide to weather alerts: advisories, watches, and warnings
Flash flood warning: Take action.
A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
Flood warning: Take action.
A flood warning is declared when flooding is on the verge of happening or is already underway.
Flood advisory: Be aware.
A flood advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
Flood watch: Be prepared.
A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It doesn’t guarantee that flooding will occur, but it signifies that the possibility exists.
Staying safe during a flood: Recommendations from the NWS
In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the NWS flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:
Seek higher ground:
If you reside in a flood-prone region or are camping in low-lying terrain, the first step to safety is relocating to higher ground.
Follow evacuation orders:
If local authorities issue an evacuation order, heed it promptly. Prior to leaving, secure your home by locking it.
Disconnect utilities and appliances:
If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.
Avoid basements and submerged areas:
Steer clear of basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents.
Evacuate promptly for safety:
If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge.
Stay away from floodwaters:
Never attempt to walk through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can forcefully sweep you off your feet.
Seek high ground if trapped:
In the event you become trapped by moving water, make your way to the highest point available and contact emergency services by calling 911.
During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. It is imperative to avoid driving through any water on the road, even if it seems shallow. According to the NWS, most cars can be swept away by just 12 inches of rushing water. Stay safe by being prepared and informed.
For more local weather alerts, visit our Weather Advisory page