Los Angeles logs record 12 coastal flood days

Coastal areas near Los Angeles have experienced 12 flooding days during 2026, the largest annual count measured by NOAA’s San Pedro tide gauge. Records there date to 1923. The old high was nine days in 1983, another year affected by El Niño. Floodwater can cover roads and reach homes or businesses despite clear skies, creating an unusual hazard for shoreline communities.

NOAA had modeled three to six flooding days for the period beginning in May 2026 and ending in April 2027. Nine have occurred already. Oceanographer Karen Kavanaugh attributed this week’s flooding to the interaction of unusually high astronomical tides and Kelvin waves. Tides may also be intensified by storms, higher sea levels, El Niño and other ocean activity.

Additional risk periods fall near Thanksgiving and Christmas. During those times, the moon’s orbit brings it nearer Earth, helping create the year’s highest projected tides, commonly called king tides. Their strength cannot yet be calculated. National Weather Service models can provide flood projections within seven days of an event, and sometimes only closer to it. Kavanaugh directed residents toward forecasts for Los Angeles and Orange counties, along with local emergency guidance. She also noted that vehicles in low areas may be exposed to flooding and that previously distributed sandbags could be needed again within weeks.