Bayfront flooding possible till Thursday warns Port of San Diego

A coastal flood warning covering the entire San Diego County coastline remained in effect through Thursday afternoon, with significant flooding expected from unusually high tides, forecasters said.

“Numerous roads may be closed. Low-lying property, including homes, businesses and some critical infrastructure, will be inundated,” the National Weather Service said.

The agency also warned of shoreline erosion during morning hours and urged coastal residents to watch for rising water and take steps to protect life and property. Morning high tides could reach 1 to 1.7 feet above astronomical predictions, the NWS said.

The Port of San Diego said that sections of the bayfront experienced dry-weather flooding Monday and Tuesday, closing part of West Harbor Drive between Market and Front streets. The road reopened about an hour later as water levels receded.

Although flooding is expected to be temporary, elevated water levels could overtop seawalls, flood roadways, limit access to waterfront areas, disrupt traffic and create hazards for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists, according to the port.

Among the areas most vulnerable to flooding are:

• Embarcadero: North Harbor Drive and Laurel Street; West Harbor Drive and Kettner Boulevard; and West Harbor Drive between Market and Front streets
• Embarcadero Marina Park North: Walkway near the marina and parking lot entrance
• Downtown San Diego: Pacific Highway and Laurel Street
• Point Loma: Anchorage Lane and Canon Street
• Bayshore Bikeway: South San Diego Bay between state Route 75 and Flamingo Trail

There has been coastal flooding around San Diego county’s coastal communities, including areas like Pacific Beach and Mission Bay.

Residents should protect flood-prone property and avoid driving around barricades or through water of unknown depth. The NWS also advised people to stay off jetties and seawalls and away from beaches during high tides, when waves may run farther up the shore than expected.

The coastal flood warning also extends into Orange County.