California Faces 'Exceptional' High-Surf and Coastal Flooding Event

Powerful cyclones and higher-than-normal tides cause waves up to 25 feet, with further dangerous conditions expected over the weekend.

California is experiencing an 'exceptional high-surf and coastal flooding event' with waves as high as 25 feet due to powerful cyclones over the North Pacific and higher-than-normal tides.
Emergency responders have had to rescue several people from the ocean in Southern California, and high-surf warnings are in effect through Saturday for beaches in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
Coastal flood warnings and advisories are also in effect for various counties, and climate change is believed to be contributing to the higher seas.
Rain and thunderstorms are expected to exacerbate flooding over the weekend, and coastal cities are starting to adapt to changing conditions by building costly sea walls, dredging sand to replenish vanishing beaches and relocating vulnerable property owners.
Sea levels in California are expected to rise nearly 2 feet by 2050, which will likely exacerbate future flooding and storm surge.