CATALINA AND SANTA BARBARA ISLANDS; MALIBU COAS… — * WHAT...Minor to locally moderate coastal flooding during morning high tides, as well as dangerous rip currents and breaking waves due to elevated surf up to 4 to 6 feet expected, especially across west facing beaches.
* WHERE...Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County Beaches.
* WHEN...Until noon PST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS...There is an increased risk of ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats nearshore. Pooling of sea water is possible around high tide at beach and harbor areas that is uncommon with normal tidal ranges. Enhanced beach erosion is also possible.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...High tides of 7.2 to 7.6 feet (MLLW) are expected each morning. Surf and coastal flooding impacts peak on Monday. Since the large swell is from the west, south facing areas such as Malibu and Long Beach will be less affected unlike the previous events where the swell was from the south.
Flooding in Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands; Malibu Coast; Los Angeles County Beaches can cut off roads with little warning, damage homes near low-lying areas, and disrupt power and water service. Even a few inches of moving water can carry away a vehicle.
This report is based on information from NWS, monitored by Alert USA's verified emergency feed.
Alert USA anticipates a high chance of travel disruptions, elevated property risk in low-lying areas, and possible power outages while the event is active.
Recommended steps: avoid flooded roads — turn around, don't drown; move to higher ground if you are in a low-lying area; charge phones and prepare for power loss; check on family and neighbors.
Alert USA is tracking this flood event and will update this report as verified information becomes available.
Verified by Alert USA • NWS