Record-breaking king tides flooded coastal communities from Southern California to South Florida this week, driven by the full Hunter’s Moon and perigean spring tide conditions. Astronomical highs aligned with elevated sea levels from warm ocean temperatures, a strong El Niño, and other factors, pushing water levels well above normal and setting multiple records between October 26 and 27, 2026.
California Records
Southern California saw some of its highest water levels in over a century of recordkeeping.
- Los Angeles Harbor (San Pedro gauge): Set a new all-time record. The previous high of 7.93 feet (set January 10, 2005; records dating to 1923) was broken with approximately 8.02 feet on Monday and a preliminary 8.18–8.19 feet on Tuesday.
- Newport Beach: Reached 8.3 feet on Monday and 8.4 feet on Tuesday — roughly 1.7 feet above the predicted astronomical tide.
- San Diego: Peaked near 8.14 feet, about 1.5 feet above predicted levels and just over an inch short of the station’s all-time record.
- Additional records or near-records were reported at La Jolla and Santa Barbara.
Observed tides ran 1.5 to 1.8 feet above pure astronomical predictions due to record-warm coastal waters (thermal expansion), El Niño-related Kelvin waves, and the lunar alignment. Flooding closed sections of Pacific Coast Highway and inundated streets, homes, and low-lying areas along the Los Angeles and Orange County coasts. Coastal flood warnings remained in effect through Thursday.
Florida Records
South Florida experienced its highest non-tropical water levels on record at several gauges, with “major” flooding in low-lying communities.
- Miami (Virginia Key): Peaked at a preliminary 2.54 feet above mean higher high water (MHHW) on Tuesday. This ranks as the third-highest level since consistent records began in 1994 (behind Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Wilma) and the highest non-hurricane/king tide on record at the station. The gauge exceeded moderate flooding thresholds for multiple consecutive days.
- Port Canaveral / Trident Pier: Recorded the highest non-tropical water level since the gauge was installed in 1994, with a preliminary crest of about 3.02 feet above MHHW.
- South Port Everglades: Reached roughly 2.25 feet above ground, surpassing a prior record set by Hurricane Nicole in 2022.
Streets such as Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, and Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach saw significant flooding, with water covering roads and low-lying properties. Onshore winds amplified the already elevated astronomical tides.
What Caused the Extreme Tides?
King tides occur naturally when the Earth, moon, and sun align and the moon is near perigee (its closest approach to Earth), producing the year’s highest astronomical tides. This week’s full Hunter’s Moon intensified the effect. In California, record-warm ocean temperatures and El Niño conditions raised the baseline sea level. In Florida, persistent onshore winds piled additional water against the coast.
Looking Ahead
These events are not the seasonal peak. Higher astronomical king tides are expected around late November, Christmas, and mid-to-late January. With elevated sea levels already in place—especially along the California coast—future events could produce even more widespread flooding if they coincide with storms or strong onshore winds.
Residents in coastal areas should monitor local forecasts, avoid flooded roadways, and prepare for additional high-tide cycles through early November and beyond.
Miami recorded its highest king tide on record but rising sea levels due to climate change will make future king tides even worse.