Newport Beach officials declared a local emergency on Monday and activated the city’s Emergency Operations Center. This action comes in anticipation of exceptionally high tides next week that could lead to another round of coastal flooding, following widespread damage and street flooding earlier in October.
The City Council approved the emergency declaration to prepare for king tides expected between October 26 and 28. City officials announced that low-lying neighborhoods along the Balboa Peninsula, islands in Newport Harbor, and other waterfront areas are considered particularly vulnerable.
This move follows more than a week after powerful waves and elevated ocean water levels, associated with Tropical Storm Rachel, flooded streets on the Balboa Peninsula. That earlier event prompted a prior local emergency declaration and temporary closures of the Newport and Balboa piers, as well as the Wedge surfing area. While conditions improved and those areas reopened on October 12, protective sand berms remained in place, and city officials continued to caution residents about elevated surf and high tides.
The latest emergency declaration is intended to help the city secure additional resources for flood prevention and response, according to officials. The Emergency Operations Center will coordinate preparations among various city departments.
City officials have expressed concern that recent ocean water levels have been approximately 18 to 22 inches higher than predicted astronomical tides. This raises the possibility that next week’s high tides could produce more severe flooding than current forecasts indicate, potentially leading to significantly higher actual water levels than anticipated if these conditions persist.
The upcoming king tides are the first in a series of unusually high tide events anticipated through October, November, December, and into the new year. City officials noted that El Niño conditions could further contribute to elevated ocean water levels in the coming months.
In related action, the City Council also approved a contract for the West Newport Beach Sand Replenishment Project. This initiative will involve placing approximately 100,000 cubic yards of sand along eroded beach areas between 36th and 62nd streets. The sand, transported from the mouth of the Santa Ana River, will help replenish beaches affected by recent storms and provide additional protection against erosion and coastal flooding. Work on this project is expected to begin later this week, according to the city.
During the earlier flooding, city crews and Orange County personnel worked to reinforce sand berms, pump water from flooded streets, and protect homes and businesses along the coastline. Orange County Board Vice Chair Katrina Foley stated earlier this month that the county had assisted Newport Beach with tens of thousands of sandbags, pumping equipment, and additional personnel.
Newport Beach maintains a network of 86 tidal valves designed to prevent rising ocean water from backing up through storm drains, along with 18 pumps used to remove standing water from streets near the harbor. Municipal crews are once again reinforcing protective beach berms, inspecting stormwater infrastructure, preparing tide valves and pumping systems, and strategically positioning sandbags, equipment, and personnel in flood-prone areas.
City staff will continue to monitor tide predictions, weather forecasts, and actual ocean water levels before and during the upcoming high tides. Officials cautioned that these preparations cannot eliminate all potential flooding and urged waterfront property owners and residents in vulnerable neighborhoods to take steps to protect their homes, vehicles, and belongings. Residents are encouraged to install sandbags or temporary flood barriers near seawalls, garages, doorways, and other low-lying openings.
Property owners were also advised to inspect private flood protection systems, clear debris from drains and gutters, and move vehicles away from streets and parking areas prone to flooding. The city warned residents not to walk or drive through flooded streets and to obey temporary road closures and posted warnings.
Free, prefilled sandbags are available at the city’s Corporation Yard at 592 Superior Avenue, Marina Park at 1600 West Balboa Boulevard, and the temporary Fire Station No. 1 at the East Ocean Front Parking Lot near Balboa Pier. Empty sandbags are also available at Lifeguard Headquarters and Newport Beach fire stations, though officials noted supplies are limited. The city may implement temporary street closures and parking restrictions if conditions warrant. Residents can find information about anticipated tides, flood protection measures, and sandbag availability at NewportBeachCA.gov/ElNino, and emergency alerts are available through Newport Notified at NBPD.org. Officials urged residents to call 911 in the event of an immediate threat to life or safety.
