Flood Risk Will Rise Today with Biannual Arrival of King Tides

The twice-annual King Tides peaked this morning.

The highest tides of the year combined with the rain-swollen runoff from the San Gabriel River had many fearing a repeat of past flood years. However, the rising sea levels have posed no threat to the sand berm thus far.

At the peak high tide of 8 a.m. the water level looked relatively normal.

The King Tides, a twice annual high-tide event, were expected to cause sea levels to rise by a little more than 6 and one-half feet, said Ray Hiemstra, associate director of Orange County Coastkeeper.

Surging tides and rain runoff flowing from the San Gabriel River could cause the ocean to breach the berm. While the highest tides were expected this morning, the tide will continue to be higher than normal Friday into Saturday as heavy rains from another storm system are anticipated.

While many Seal Beach residents are prepared for the surge after years of periodic flooding, the city has several sandbag stations around the city for residents who still need protective barriers.

The threat of flooding is a stark reminder of what will happen as global warming brings about rising sea levels, said Hiemstra. The California Coastkeeper Alliance is asking people to shoot and submit photographs that illustrate the damage that can be done by rising sea levels to beaches, roads, homes and businesses. The photographs will be used in a California King Tides Initiative to raise awareness of the threats posed by rising sea levels to low-lying communities such as Seal Beach.

“We are trying to raise awareness of what we can expect in the future from global warming and rising tides,” said Hiemstra, who lived in Seal Beach for ten years and experienced the city’s occasional floods. “It is not a time to panic or worry, but now is the time to start thinking and planning. All of these areas are going to be impacted by rising sea levels over time.”

Mitigating measures such as the construction of sea walls and expanded wetlands could take decades and millions of dollars, he added.

“The ocean will rise and we need to deal with it,” said Hiemstra.

The Coastalkeepers have set up a website to accept photo submissions, and the city’s sandbag stations are located at:

• The First Street beach lot Fire station: 8th Street and Central Avenue
• Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station gate at Seal Beach Boulevard and Landing Street
• Arbor Park at 4665 Lampson Ave.