Coastal flooding caused significant damage across Huntington Beach this week, with the city releasing figures on more than 100 structures damaged when seawater flooded low-lying sections of the town during extreme high tide periods.
About 114 homes and structures sustained water damage during this week’s flooding, officials said, when high tides were pushed higher than 8 feet.
Six homes were also yellow-tagged, restricting access due to safety concerns.
There was also a structure fire that occurred following the flooding because of saltwater exposure to a lithium-ion battery, the city said in a recap Thursday, Oct. 29. “These incidents remind us that high tides can create hazards that remain even after the water recedes.”
While there were still streets that flooded
While there were still streets that flooded on Thursday, there were no new homes damaged, officials said. The edges on both sides of Pacific Coast Highway had water, but it wasn’t as much as the previous day, when the entire street was under water, said city spokesperson Jessica Cuchilla.
Pacific Coast Highway, which has seen daily closures, will reopen with no restrictions on Friday, she said.
Huntington Beach officials, in Thursday’s recap, were “thanking the community for its patience, cooperation and preparedness throughout the week.” With tide levels easing into the weekend, the threat of flooding has decreased.
The city, in anticipation of the high tides,
The city, in anticipation of the high tides, took proactive steps to protect the coastal communities, particularly Sunset Beach and Huntington Harbour, officials said.
A mobile command post was activated and deployed emergency response re respond as conditions developed, officials said. The city also teamed with outside agencies that assisted through the three days of flooding
“Despite extensive preparation and response efforts, high tides caused significant impacts throughout our coastal neighborhoods,” officials said. “While this week’s event is concluding, our community must remain prepared.”
Predictions indicate that late-November king tides could be
Predictions indicate that late-November king tides could be even higher than this week, the city noted.
“We strongly encourage residents, particularly those in Sunset Beach, Huntington Harbour and other low-lying coastal areas, to begin preparing now,” officials said. “If floodwater, especially saltwater, exposed your home, vehicle, or battery-powered equipment, use caution. Water-damaged lithium-ion batteries can pose a serious fire hazard even after they appear dry. Do not charge or operate equipment that may have been damaged by flooding.”
The City Council is set to meet at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, to ratify a local emergency declaration that could help the city pursue reimbursement for the unexpected costs of dealing with the flooding.
