NWS Warns of Coastal Flooding and Dangerous Surf Across California

California's coastline faces an elevated risk of flooding, beach erosion and dangerous ocean conditions as the National Weather Service warns residents and visitors about powerful surf, high tides and potentially damaging waves. Advisories issued on October 9, 2026, cover coastal areas from Santa Cruz County to Southern California, with impacts potentially extending into Tuesday.

Forecasts indicate waves reaching 16 feet along the Santa Cruz County coast, while beaches in Los Angeles County could experience breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet. The National Weather Service also warns of strong rip currents, unexpected sneaker waves and flooding in low-lying coastal communities.

In Southern California, vulnerable south-facing beaches, particularly in Long Beach and Malibu, face the possibility of damaging seawater inundation. Orange County and coastal areas of San Diego County could also experience significant flooding and erosion, especially during morning high tides.

The National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard office identified the beaches most exposed to flooding and described the expected conditions.

"For vulnerable south-facing beaches, especially Long Beach and Malibu, damaging sea-water flooding is likely. For all other beaches and harbors, minor coastal flooding is expected. High surf of 4 to 7 feet is also expected with strong rip currents," according to the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA.

The agency also highlighted uncertainty surrounding Sunday's conditions, when several weather and ocean factors could intensify coastal impacts.

"Sunday carries the widest range of coastal flooding outcomes due to chances of rain, wind, low pressure tidal enhancements, and swells from multiple directions. Coastal flooding impacts on Sunday could be similar to other days, or greatly enhanced. High tides of 7.3 to 7.6 feet will be common each morning. This warning may be extended past Sunday, or converted to a Coastal Flood Advisory through Tuesday," according to the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA.

The agency warned that flooding could damage beach roads and structures, while erosion could affect shorelines and public access routes. It also cautioned that powerful waves could sweep people off rocks or beaches and endanger small boats.

"For vulnerable south-facing beaches, sea-water flooding can damage beach roads and structures, especially around the time of high tide. For all other beaches and harbors, shallow and minor sea-water flooding can impact beaches and walkways. For all beach areas, significant erosion is expected.

There is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore," according to the NWS.

Residents are advised to avoid exposed shorelines, coastal walkways and rock jetties. Officials also warn against driving through floodwater or around road barricades, regardless of how shallow the water appears.

Along the North Coast, a separate beach hazards statement highlights the danger posed by sneaker waves, which can arrive unexpectedly after periods of relatively calm water. The National Weather Service warned that these waves may sweep people and heavy objects into the ocean.

"Increased threat of sneaker waves expected," the National Weather Service said.

The agency explained that apparently calm conditions do not eliminate the risk, as smaller waves may precede a sudden surge.

"Large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, jetties, and beaches. These sneaker waves can also move large objects such as logs, crushing anyone caught underneath. Don't be fooled by an ocean that looks calm.

There can be 30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes. Avoid rocks and jetties. Avoid steep beaches.

Stay much farther back from the water and never turn your back on the ocean," the National Weather Service said.

The North Coast statement remains in effect until Monday at 5 p.m., according to the published report.

The National Weather Service San Diego office also warned that coastal flooding could affect roads, walking paths, homes, businesses and critical infrastructure in vulnerable locations. Its forecast identified Sunday morning as the period of greatest concern.

"Significant coastal flooding and erosion possible," according to the NWS San Diego CA.

The office attributed the heightened risk to Tropical Storm Rachel, increased swell, onshore winds and locally high tides exceeding 7 feet.

"Greatest impacts on Sunday morning from Tropical Storm Rachel in combination of increased swell, onshore winds, and high tides locally over 7 feet," according to the NWS San Diego CA.

The agency said flooding could close roads and walking paths, while stronger surf would increase the danger of rip currents. Officials urged people in flood-prone areas to protect vulnerable property and remain out of the water.

"Numerous roads and walking paths may be closed due to high water. Low-lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure may flood. Shoreline erosion will occur during high tides in the mornings. Increased surf will lead to a high risk of rip currents," the NWS said.

For Santa Cruz County, the coastal flood advisory is scheduled from 9 a.m. Friday until 3 p.m. Tuesday, while the beach hazards statement runs from 7 a.m.

Saturday until 2 p.m. Monday. The advisories reflect forecasts of inundation reaching 1.2 feet above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.