California’s coast is under siege as record-breaking tides have turned streets into rivers and left businesses and homes underwater. In Los Angeles, readings hit a staggering 2.70 feet on Tuesday, the highest ever recorded, signaling a dire warning for coastal communities. This flooding, often referred to as “sunny day flooding,” is happening without any stormy weather, leaving residents and business owners scrambling to protect their property.

The situation is particularly dire in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, where homeowners and business owners are bailing water out by hand. Pacific Coast Highway near Huntington Beach was shut down for two days, and Newport Beach declared a local state of emergency to combat the flooding. These events are not isolated; more than 500 miles of heavily populated shoreline are facing tidal flooding, expected to continue through Friday. San Francisco, San Diego, and Santa Monica also saw unprecedented tides, with San Francisco setting a new October record at 2.01 feet.

These record-breaking tides are alarming for several reasons. Some tide gauges have been collecting data for over a century, and setting new records is a rare occurrence, highlighting the severity of the situation. The flooding is a stark reminder of the broader climate crisis and its disproportionate impact on coastal communities, many of which are already grappling with economic and environmental challenges.

Local leaders are racing to implement protective measures, such as sand replenishment projects and building protective berms. However, these efforts are just a temporary fix, as the bigger challenge lies ahead. Communities that have already faced earlier storms and flooding are now dealing with another round of damage, leading to significant cleanup and repair costs. For many Black communities, this means additional financial strain on already tight budgets.

Despite the challenges, the resilience of these communities remains evident. Survivors are not just victims; they are organizing, rebuilding, and finding solutions to protect their homes and businesses. The road forward is clear: continued resilience and proactive measures to adapt to the changing climate. This week’s flooding serves as a critical wake-up call, prompting urgent action to address the systemic issues and protect vulnerable coastal areas.

Originally reported by Rolling Out