‘King Tide’ causes flooding along O.C. coast

NEWPORT BEACH (KTLA) — A so-called “King Tide” is being blamed for flooding in several coastal communities in Orange County on Thursday, according to KTLA.

The National Weather Service is forecasting high tides along with rip currents for local beaches and all along the West Coast.

The alignment of the earth, moon and sun is giving the seas an extra gravitational kick onto the shore, which can cause flooding in low-lying areas.

Early morning flooding was reported in Sunset Beach, Huntington Harbor and Newport Beach.

KTLA’s Sky5 was overhead of flooding along Marcus Ave. in Newport Harbor, as well as at Newport Blvd. and 26th Street.

The high tide forced the closure of westbound Pacific Coast Highway at Warner Ave. in Sunset Beach.

In Long Beach, officials were encouraging residents who live near the coast to prepare for possible flooding.

City crews were performing inspections and maintenance to make sure that catch basins have been cleaned out and all pump stations are working.