HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. >> Astronomical high tides known as “King Tides” are hitting the California coast today and Monday morning — and in some places, into Tuesday — with tides expected to reach nearly 7 feet.

King Tides happen when the sun, moon and Earth are in alignment and the moon is in its closest position to the Earth, creating a stronger gravitational pull. The next King Tides event will occur Dec. 13 to Dec. 15.

The California coast is not expected to see major flooding as a result of the towering tides but some low-lying areas are taking precautions. In Seal Beach, workers constructed sand barriers to protect the boardwalk and beachfront homes, according to The Orange County Register.

In Huntington Beach this morning, Todd Miller watched his 17-year-old son, Taj, surf with his friends. While Miller didn’t realize King Tides were expected, his son did and they arrived at the beach two hours later than usual to avoid any potentially dangerous conditions.

Still, the tide brought the ocean “literally halfway up the beach,” Miller said.

Huntington Beach’s high tide was 6.89 feet at 8:23 a.m., the city reported.