Huntington Beach warns of flooding, EV fire risks as high tides hit

Huntington Beach declared a local emergency Monday as unusually high tides flooded coastal roads, with officials warning residents and visitors about closures and fire risks from saltwater-damaged electric vehicles, according to Voice of OC. Sunset Beach was particularly affected.

The flooding comes as coastal erosion and high waves disrupt highway and passenger rail travel elsewhere in Orange County. More rain and storms were forecast for Halloween weekend, according to Voice of OC.

The city attributed tides running 1 to 1.5 feet above normal to El Niño conditions, Voice of OC reported. Its emergency declaration said erosion and beach sand loss had left oceanfront homes and public infrastructure in Sunset Beach more vulnerable, with surf and swell from Tropical Storms Marie and Rachel contributing to the damage.

Daily closures have affected Pacific Coast Highway from Warner Avenue to Anderson Street, along with Saybrook Lane from Edinger Avenue to Humboldt Drive. The reported closure window is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The emergency declaration outlined plans to build, maintain and reinforce temporary sand berms.

In a safety announcement cited by Voice of OC, the city warned that electric vehicles exposed to saltwater could remain a fire hazard after drying. Damaged batteries can overheat, emit toxic gases or catch fire long after a storm, according to the announcement.

Near Laguna Beach, a section of Pacific Coast Highway has been closed since Oct. 13 because of a large crack in the cliff supporting the road. Another lane closed Monday, leaving one lane open in each direction as crews used rocks to stabilize the cliff. No completion date was projected, Voice of OC reported.

Waves also washed over Pacific Surfliner tracks through San Clemente, prompting a closure Monday. Voice of OC identified the affected rail segment as the stretch between the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside stations, with reopening expected Friday.

With additional rain and storms forecast for Halloween weekend, the city's warning extended beyond immediate flooding: Saltwater-damaged vehicle batteries can remain dangerous after the water recedes.