High Tides Damage 114 Structures in Huntington Beach

Coastal flooding in Huntington Beach damaged 114 homes and other structures during the week of October 30. Six homes received yellow placards, and entry was limited over safety risks. Saltwater also damaged a lithium-ion battery and triggered a fire inside one structure.

Much of the damage was in Sunset Beach and Huntington Harbour, where unusually high king tides pushed water into low-lying areas. Flooding covered sections of Pacific Coast Highway and forced road closures. In nearby Long Beach, about 20 homes on the peninsula were evacuated over concerns about structural damage.

Huntington Beach declared a state of emergency on Monday and activated a command post, while emergency crews were deployed through the week. Officials urged residents in vulnerable coastal neighborhoods to assess their properties, get sandbags and review family emergency plans.

The water had receded by Friday, but the city warned that tides in late November could be higher. Across Orange County, cities have used pumps, sandbags, sand berms and drainage canals to try to limit flooding. Experts described the recent tides as a possible preview of stronger El Niño storms expected this winter.