Newport Beach declared a local emergency Friday in response to coastal flooding that inundated streets on the Balboa Peninsula. Officials issued warnings that high surf and elevated tides could lead to additional flooding through the weekend.
City officials stated that the declaration followed higher-than-normal surf and elevated ocean water levels, associated with Tropical Storm Rachel, which contributed to street flooding on Thursday night.
City Manager Seimone Jurjis, serving as the city’s director of emergency services, issued the emergency declaration on Friday. This action is intended to help Newport Beach secure additional resources to protect both public and private property within the community.
The city urged residents and motorists on Friday to avoid the Balboa Peninsula, where streets have already experienced flooding. Warnings were also issued that continued high surf and elevated tides could worsen conditions in the area.
On Friday, six city crews were actively working to rebuild protective sand berms along the shoreline. Additionally, other teams operated pumps and opened tide valves to effectively drain flooded streets, according to city officials.
Officials confirmed that the emergency response efforts would persist through the weekend. Crews are scheduled to monitor ocean conditions closely and deploy further resources as necessary. The city indicated that temporary street closures and parking restrictions might be implemented if conditions deteriorate.
Residents residing in waterfront and flood-prone neighborhoods were encouraged to take proactive measures to protect their properties. This includes using sandbags or temporary barriers, clearing debris from gutters and drainage areas when it is safe to do so, and moving vehicles away from areas vulnerable to flooding. City officials stressed that while flood mitigation efforts are underway, they cannot eliminate all risks, and residents were strongly advised to avoid walking or driving through flooded streets.
In related news, the National Weather Service issued a coastal flood advisory for Orange County beaches, which is set to remain in effect until 2 p.m. Tuesday. This advisory warns of potential flooding in low-lying coastal areas during periods of high tides. Forecasters anticipate tides could reach between 6.5 and 7 feet during morning and evening high tide periods. Furthermore, additional south swells are expected to produce another round of elevated surf from Sunday through Tuesday, with the highest surf predicted for Sunday. On Friday, surf of 3 to 5 feet, with occasional sets reaching 6 feet, was forecast, alongside dangerous rip currents.
The weather service also cautioned that coastal flooding could impact beach parking lots, boardwalks, and roads, with possibilities of isolated road closures and minor beach erosion. The full extent of damage from the flooding was not immediately known.
Beachgoers were advised to exercise extreme caution near the ocean, where elevated surf, rip currents, and rapidly changing conditions could pose hazards for swimmers, surfers, and boaters.
Newport Beach is providing free, prefilled sandbags at its Corporation Yard, located at 592 Superior Ave. Empty sandbags are also available at Newport Beach fire stations, subject to current supplies. Lifeguards on the Balboa Peninsula are also equipped with sandbags in their vehicles for distribution.
The city maintains a comprehensive network of 86 tidal valves, which are specifically designed to prevent rising ocean water from backing up through storm drains. Additionally, 18 pumps are utilized to remove standing water from streets situated near the harbor. The city has previously identified the Balboa Peninsula, Balboa Island, Newport Island, and other low-lying harborfront neighborhoods as particularly vulnerable to flooding during unusually high tides.
Residents are encouraged to monitor official city communications and to register for Newport Notified emergency alerts by visiting NBPD.org. For additional information concerning sandbags and flood protection, residents may contact the city’s Municipal Operations Department at 949-644-3055.
