Newport Beach officials declared a local emergency on Saturday, closing several coastal areas after flooding inundated streets on the Balboa Peninsula. The declaration was made as warnings indicate high surf and elevated tides could cause additional significant flooding through the weekend, putting public and private property at risk.
The Newport Pier, Balboa Pier, and The Wedge (rock jetty to M Street) were temporarily closed. Officials stated these closures are crucial for public safety and to prevent damage to protective sand berms. Residents were cautioned against climbing on the sand berms, as doing so can compromise their structural integrity and reduce their effectiveness in protecting nearby homes and infrastructure from the encroaching coastal flooding.
The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood warning on Friday afternoon for Orange County beaches, effective through at least 3 p.m. Sunday. Forecasters cautioned about potentially significant flooding and beach erosion as Tropical Storm Rachel approaches Southern California. The greatest threat is expected Sunday morning, when increased ocean swells, strong onshore winds, and high tides exceeding 7 feet are predicted to combine, creating dangerous coastal conditions.
City officials noted that higher-than-normal surf and elevated ocean water levels associated with Tropical Storm Rachel had already contributed to street flooding on the Balboa Peninsula on Thursday night. Orange County Board Vice Chair Katrina Foley commented to City News Service that "Everybody got caught off guard," adding that the swell hit earlier than anticipated. Planning for sand replenishment at Capo Beach is still scheduled for Tuesday.
City Manager Seimone Jurjis, acting as the city’s director of emergency services, issued the emergency declaration Friday to help Newport Beach obtain additional resources to protect public and private property. Vice Chair Foley's office facilitated the delivery of 10,000 sandbags to the city Friday morning, with an additional 20,000 delivered later. Neighboring Costa Mesa also contributed sandbags. Prefilled sandbags were made available at the City Corporation Yard, Marina Park, and Fire Station No. 1 (Temporary Station), while empty sandbags could be obtained at the Benjamin M. Carlson Lifeguard Headquarters.
Foley also confirmed outreach to the Coastal Commission for support for Beach Row residents and to building trades for potential labor and equipment. Orange County Public Works crews were on hand to assist, and Foley appealed to the governor’s office for help from the conservation corps or National Guard.
The city has urged residents and motorists to avoid the Balboa Peninsula, where streets remain flooded, warning that continued high surf and elevated tides could worsen conditions. Six city crews were actively rebuilding protective sand berms along the shoreline on Friday, while other teams operated pumps and opened tide valves to drain flooded streets. The emergency response is set to continue through the weekend, with crews monitoring ocean conditions and deploying additional resources as needed. Temporary street closures and parking restrictions may be implemented if conditions deteriorate.
The weather service reiterated warnings that numerous roads and walking paths could be closed by flooding, with low-lying homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure at risk. Shoreline erosion is also anticipated during morning high tides, and increased surf will create a high risk of dangerous rip currents. A beach hazards statement will be in effect Sunday morning through Sunday evening, with surf ranging from 5 to 7 feet and local sets potentially reaching 9 feet. After the coastal flood warning expires, a coastal flood advisory will remain in effect until 2 p.m. Tuesday, with minor coastal flooding still expected.
Residents in waterfront and flood-prone neighborhoods are encouraged to protect their properties using sandbags or temporary barriers, clear debris from gutters and drainage areas when safe, and move vehicles from vulnerable areas. City officials stressed that flood mitigation efforts cannot eliminate all risks and advised residents to avoid walking or driving through flooded streets. The weather service similarly urged motorists not to drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
The city of Newport Beach maintains a network of 86 tidal valves designed to prevent rising ocean water from backing up through storm drains, alongside 18 pumps used to remove standing water from streets near the harbor. The Balboa Peninsula, Balboa Island, Newport Island, and other low-lying harborfront neighborhoods have been previously identified as particularly vulnerable to flooding during unusually high tides. The extent of damage from the initial flooding was not immediately known.
Farther down the coast, beach parking at San Onofre State Beach’s Surf Beach has been closed following significant shoreline damage caused by high surf and elevated tides on Wednesday, as reported by the Surfrider Foundation. Long Beach also experienced waves damaging a boardwalk and homes on Friday, with officials reporting five damaged structures.
Newport Beach residents are encouraged to monitor official city communications and register for Newport Notified emergency alerts. Additional information regarding sandbags and flood protection can be obtained by contacting the city’s Municipal Operations Department.
