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Orange County Coast and San Diego County Coastal Areas are the focus of an updated coastal flood warning released at 1:38 p.m. on Saturday by the National Weather Service. The warning is in effect until Sunday Oct. 11, at 3 p.m.
“For the Coastal Flood Warning through Sunday afternoon, significant coastal flooding and erosion is likely. For the Beach Hazards Statement from Sunday morning until Sunday evening, surf of 5 to 7 feet with local sets up to 9 feet. For the Coastal Flood Advisory from Sunday afternoon until Tuesday afternoon, minor coastal flooding expected,” can be anticipated according to the NWS San Diego CA. “Greatest impacts on Sunday morning from Tropical Storm Rachel with a combination of increased swell, onshore winds, and high tides locally over 7.5 feet. High tides lower each day into the middle of the week.”
“Numerous roads and walking paths may be closed due to high water. Low-lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure may flood. Shoreline erosion will occur during high tides in the mornings. Elevated surf will lead to a high risk of rip currents,” the NWS said. “Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. If travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.”
Road closures
Updates on road closures can be found on CalTrans’ website or mobile app or by calling 800-427-7623.
Emergency alerts in Southern California
For “considerable or catastrophic” hazards, emergency alerts will be sent to all enabled mobile phones in the area. To monitor lesser risk, residents are advised to sign up for county alert systems and to monitor agencies’ social media. How to sign up for alerts in your area:
Where to get sandbags
If you’re in an area at risk of flooding, sandbags can be one line of defense. County fire departments typically offer a limited supply of free sandbags for residents of their nearby communities. You should bring your own shovel to fill your bags, and be prepared to show proof of residency.
Sand and sandbags can also be purchased at many home improvement and hardware stores.
Here are links of locations that might have sandbags in your area:
Los Angeles County https://dpw. Lacounty. Gov/dsg/sandbags/
Orange County https://ocfa. Org/AboutUs/Departments/OperationsDirectory/Sandbags. Aspx
San Bernardino County https://sbcfire. Org/sandbags/
Riverside County https://rvcfire. Org/re
How to fill a sandbag
Not sure how to fill your sandbags? Watch the how-to video, provided by the City of Seal Beach.
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 does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Weathering the storm: Flood safety guidelines from the NWS
Floods can pose a significant threat, especially if you live in a flood-prone area or find yourself camping in a low-lying region. To ensure your safety, the NWS offers essential flood safety guidelines:
If you’re in a flood-prone area, or if you’re camping in a low-lying spot, move to higher ground as a first step.
When local authorities issue an evacuation order, promptly comply. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it.
Disconnect utilities and appliances:
If time permits, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This precaution minimizes electrical hazards during flooding.
Avoid basements and submerged areas:
Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.
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.
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 higher ground when trapped:
Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services.
During heavy rain, flooding is possible, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Never drive through water on the road, even if it does not appear to be deep. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars, according to the NWS. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.
For more local weather alerts, visit our Weather Advisory page
This article was generated by software that analyzes National Weather Service warnings and advisories and creates an article based on templates created by humans. Our data comes from publicly available information. You can report errors to online@scng.com
