8-foot tides breach Mission Beach berm, flooding homes

The sand berm protecting Mission Beach broke on Monday morning, letting the ocean rush onto sidewalks and into nearby homes.

The National Weather Service reported that tides in La Jolla reached nearly 8 feet during the morning high. A coastal flood warning remains in effect, and forecasts predict tides will exceed 7 feet again on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Residents standing near the water noted that levels were running about a foot higher than predicted models suggested.

Debbilyn Kovalik was at her home when the breach occurred. Water sloshed across her floor and reached the sliding glass door in her living area. Kovalik, who has lived in the area for years, said she has experienced flooding before but never inside her house. She pointed out that the drywall behind her baseboards was soaked and would need repair. She believes the berm could have been built higher to prevent the water from reaching her door.

Jackie Nipper, a resident just a few houses away, dealt with similar water intrusion. She stated that the water flooded her yard within seconds of the gap forming in the berm. Nipper operates Mission Bay Puppy Rescue from the property. She explained that the flooded yard is the primary outdoor space for the animals and where potential adopters visit them. She expressed concern for the puppies as they continue to deal with the wet conditions.

City crews are currently reinforcing the breached section of the berm and using pumps to remove standing water. Christopher McGinnis, a Mission Beach resident of 30 years, said he has never seen flooding of this magnitude. He attributed the higher-than-forecast tide levels to a Kelvin wave and warmer ocean temperatures during the current El Niño season.

Visitors and locals alike had to wade through knee-deep water to reach their vehicles or homes as the tide receded. Camille LeFever, a visitor from Arizona, walked through mud and muck on her morning beach stroll. She returned to her lodging covered in the debris and had to shower immediately to clean off. The high tide event has left many residents and visitors dealing with mud and water damage in their properties.

The weather service expects the high tides to continue through Wednesday. City officials are monitoring the reinforced berm to ensure it holds against the incoming waves.