Coastal Flood — Orange County Coastal Areas, California

2014-08-26 to 2014-08-27 · Orange County Coastal Areas, California

Event narrative

Local TV media reported significant coastal flooding of Seal Beach, specifically along East Seal Way, where many homes experienced a few inches to 1 foot of water rushing into them after 12 to 14 foot waves cleared the 2 and a half foot protective sea wall.

Wider weather episode

A large southerly swell around 10 feet, generated by Hurricane Marie, moved through the coastal waters from the 25th through the 28th. This swell resulted in very large surf and dangerous rip currents during this time. Coastal flooding due to the high surf was observed at Seal Beach on the 26th, and reached into some homes. The direction of the swell kept the vast majority of the surf and coastal flooding in Orange County, and largest surf on the 27th and 28th. Surf heights from 15 to 18 feet were reported near Newport Beach and northward to Huntington Beach. The Wedge at Newport Beach had sets of 25 to 30 feet. This high surf not seen since May 2011. South Laguna Beach reported major beach erosion.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 539690. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.