Huntington Beach residents and visitors are getting advised to stay safe on the coast by city leaders amid flooding and street closures along the coast from high tides.
The city already declared a state of emergency on Monday, noting tides are 1-1.5 feet higher than usual due to El Niño conditions, so recent high tides have been particularly destructive to the coast, especially at Sunset Beach.
A portion of the Pacific Coast Highway running between Warner Avenue and Anderson Street and Saybrook Lane between Edinger Avenue and Humboldt Drive have been seeing daily closures from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. as high tides have flooded the roadways.
Coastal erosion and beach sand loss in Sunset
“Coastal erosion and beach sand loss in Sunset Beach, exacerbated by high surf and swell associated with Tropical Storms Marie and Rachel and other recent coastal conditions, have increased the vulnerability of oceanfront homes and public infrastructure,” reads the emergency declaration, noting they were implementing “emergency protective measures, including construction, placement, maintenance, and reinforcement of temporary sand berms.”
More rain and storms are expected to hit the coast over Halloween weekend.
Residents are also being told to take caution operating electric vehicles that have been submerged in the salt water, as they pose a fire risk even after they dry out.
“Damaged batteries can overheat, release toxic gases, ignite, or explode hours, days, weeks, or months after a storm,” reads an announcement made by the city.
Other cities along the OC coast have been
Other cities along the OC coast have been facing the effects of the super El Niño system, with high tides, rain and strong surf leading to coastal erosion, street closures and flooded homes.
A portion of PCH near Laguna Beach has been closed since Oct. 13, with an additional lane closing Monday, after a large crack appeared in the cliff supporting the roadway.
Now only two lanes remain operational – one Northbound and one Southbound. Crews have been working to stabilize the split with rocks to prevent a landslide from occurring, though the project does not yet have a projected completion date.
Additionally, Metrolink services running through San Clemente have
Additionally, Metrolink services running through San Clemente have been closed since Monday, and are expected to reopen Friday, as waves from the high tides have been overtopping the tracks.
The line that runs between the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside stations has already seen closures and damage, as storms in the Pacific have spurred high tides, with what the National Weather Service is calling a potentially historic El Niño season just beginning.
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