El Niño is driving extreme coastal flooding and higher-than-normal tides along the California coast, signaling a potential worst-case winter scenario.

Record ocean temperatures and Kelvin waves have raised sea levels, with all-time high tides reported in Los Angeles, San Diego Bay, Santa Barbara, and La Jolla, and recent average sea level rises of about 1.1 to 1.4 feet above expected levels in major cities.

Coastal flood advisories and warnings remain through Friday, as beach erosion, flooded roads, and elevated surf continue to pose hazards.

Officials emphasize long-term adaptations, including homeowners elevating structures and continued sandbagging efforts to prepare for ongoing and future flood events.

Flooding has produced submerged parking lots and stalled vehicles across communities, underscoring the pervasiveness of the floods.

Huntington Beach and Newport Beach report significant impacts, with flooded homes and a state of emergency in Newport Beach amid sand berm projects.

Storms have caused heavy inland flooding and required rescues in Arizona, illustrating broader regional impacts.

Residents and officials describe the flooding as among the most severe, with warnings not to drive through flooded roads or around barricades.

Experts warn of insufficient state and federal response to escalating coastal flood risks and call for stronger government action to avert catastrophic outcomes.

Key sources from UC Davis Road Ecology Center, USGS oceanography, and regional outlets document floods and warnings from coastal fire departments.

Coastal flooding has already affected multiple California beaches and bays, signaling broader winter risks.

Newport Beach officials are proactively distributing free sandbags in anticipation of intensified surges.