potentially record-breaking high tides

This week’s potentially record-breaking high tides hit the San Diego County coastline on Monday, which caused flooding in some low-lying beachfront communities.

A coastal flood warning went into effect Monday for the entire coast of San Diego County for unusually high tides that could rise over eight feet, which would break records, meteorologists said. The warning will remain in effect until Thursday afternoon.

"Tuesday morning’s high tide may end up being the highest of the week," NBC 7 Meteorologist Greg Bledsoe said.

High tides does not indicate that the surf will elevate this week, Bledsoe added.

During high tide Monday, portions of Mission Beach experienced coastal flooding and a berm built by San Diego city crews to protect against surges like this broke. Some residents said water "started rushing like a river" into nearby neighborhoods.

King tides peaked around 9 a.m., flooding some of San Diego's coastal communities. NBC 7's Audra Stafford reports from Mission Bay. 

The city sent crews to reinforce the berm and was using pumps to "help ease some of the effects of the flooding," Ramon Galindo, spokesperson for the city of San Diego, said.

Galindo said the berm can become weak if beachgoers stand or drag water-activity equipment over them, and he urged residents to avoid such activities.

The city placed berms in Mission Beach and other coastal areas recently in anticipation of coastal flooding from El Niño-related surges.

"These tides are among the highest recorded in recent memory for the San Diego region and are part of a larger phenomenon being observed along much of the California coastline," Galindo said. "According to coastal experts, the impacts of El Niño-related ocean conditions have contributed to higher-than-anticipated water levels, with tides this year reaching up to a foot above forecast."

The National Weather Service said coastal flooding could close roads and would likely impact low-lying homes and businesses along the coast.

San Diego residents could retrieve free, unfilled sandbags at some recreation centers across San Diego.

High tides and flood warnings were also in effect in the North County, but it was much calmer there. NBC 7's Todd Strain is in Oceanside tracking the developments.

The NWS also said some shoreline erosion will occur in the morning hours and that coastal residents should be alert for rising water and take appropriate action to protect life and property.

High tides each day will occur in the morning and may be anywhere from 1 to 1.7 feet above astronomical tide predictions, the NWS said.

"Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property. If travel is required, do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Stay off of jetties and sea walls," the agency added. "Avoid beaches during high tides. During high and rising tides, waves may run farther up the beach than expected. Stay far back from the water and never turn your back on the ocean."

The warning also stretches into Orange County.

Away from the coast, warmer weather was expected in San Diego County through Monday before temperatures will gradually cool during the middle of next week. Rain is possible as early as Friday, although the NWS says the timing and amount remain uncertain.

Warmer the next few days followed by a weekend cooldown!

The NWS said unsettled weather could affect Halloween weekend plans.