High tides, large surf predicted to flood Santa Barbara beaches and harbor

Ocean tides as tall as 8 feet are predicted to flood low-lying areas, beach parking lots and harbor walkways along the South Coast over the next few days. The National Weather Service issued a coastal flooding advisory for Santa Barbara County on Monday, predicting high tides in the late mornings until Thursday. “This is a very unusually high tide period,” said Roger Briggs, a boat owner of 35 years in the marina. For the most part, Briggs believed many of the boats anchored in the harbor are safe from any predicted coastal flooding in Santa Barbara. Officials say it’s just getting started. “We’re in the beginning phase of what we’re going to be expecting this season,” said Lt. Ryan Kelly of the Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol. Lt. Ryan Kelly of the Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol says the department is preparing for a wet winter season in Santa Barbara. (Photo by Angel Corzo/Santa Barbara News-Press) The Harbor Patrol is preparing for a wet winter season in Santa Barbar