California Warns of King Tide Hazards After 2 Deaths and 20-Foot Swells
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 15
California Warns of King Tide Hazards After 2 Deaths and 20-Foot Swells
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 15
Summary
King tides are driving dangerous surf, rip currents and coastal flooding along California this week, prompting authorities to urge beachgoers to stay out of the water or remain near lifeguard towers.
Two recent incidents underscored the risk: a 5-year-old girl was swept from Orange County's Treasure Island Beach and found dead Thursday, while in Santa Cruz one woman died and another was left in critical condition.
San Francisco recorded its highest summer water level on record Saturday night, with seawater flooding the Embarcadero as the National Weather Service warned of road, park and parking-lot flooding through Thursday morning.
Southern California beaches face hazardous breaking waves and high tides through at least late Wednesday, while Newport Beach warned low-lying harborfront neighborhoods could flood and had already urged residents to use sandbags and seawall plugs.
The same swell that sent surfers into 20-foot waves at Newport Beach's Wedge has also produced near-death experiences, highlighting how the year's highest tides are straining both recreation and coastal communities.