Newport Beach’s Newport and Balboa piers, along with the notable Wedge surfing area, reopened to the public Monday afternoon, even as high surf continued to affect the coastline in the wake of Tropical Storm Rachel. Despite the reopening, city officials and lifeguards urged continued vigilance, particularly regarding elevated surf and high tides expected through Tuesday afternoon.
The reopening of these key public areas, including sections of the Balboa Pier parking lot as cleanup continued, signals improving conditions after a weekend of closures. Over the weekend, the Newport Pier, Balboa Pier, Balboa parking lot, and the Wedge (from the rock jetty to M Street) were closed to ensure public safety and preserve protective sand berms.
The coastal flooding threat, while peaking Sunday, prompted a local emergency declaration issued by City Manager Seimone Jurjis, acting as the city’s director of emergency services, on Friday. This declaration aimed to secure additional resources for protecting both public and private property after Rachel-associated high surf and elevated ocean water levels began flooding Balboa Peninsula streets Thursday night.
In response to the emergency, Orange County Board Vice Chair Katrina Foley reported assisting the city in obtaining 10,000 sandbags by Friday morning, with an additional 20,000 delivered later, and neighboring Costa Mesa also contributing. Ms. Foley further stated that she secured county assistance, including Water Emergency Response of OC staff and county public works crews with bulldozers, to operate pumps and build sand berms in north Newport Beach. She also appealed to the governor's office for potential aid from the conservation corps or National Guard and engaged with the Coastal Commission and building trades for support.
Lifeguard Capt. Andy White stressed the need for caution, requesting that beachgoers "continue to stay off of the sand berms in order to maintain their integrity and effectiveness." Captain White also advised residents to check with lifeguards and swim near them. Workers, identified as Rios, contributed to the mitigation efforts by moving sand from the Santa Ana River bottom to reinforce vulnerable areas.
The ongoing high surf and elevated tides mean minor to moderate flooding remains possible. City officials encouraged residents in waterfront and flood-prone neighborhoods to protect their properties with sandbags or temporary barriers, clear debris from drainage areas when safe, and move vehicles from vulnerable spots. Motorists and residents were advised to avoid the Peninsula due to flooded streets and to refrain from driving around barricades or through water of unknown depth. The city highlighted its infrastructure, including 86 tidal valves and 18 pumps, designed to manage water levels.
Residents along the Balboa Peninsula experienced significant impacts. City Councilman Joe Stapleton described the conditions as "the worst I’ve seen it in my 20 years on the Peninsula." An unnamed beachfront homeowner, who purchased his property 27 years ago, noted he "haven’t seen one drop of water on that sand in 27 years," reflecting on the unusual nature of the event.
Newport Beach identified the Balboa Peninsula, Balboa Island, Newport Island, and other low-lying harborfront areas as particularly vulnerable to flooding during high tides. Residents are encouraged to monitor city communications and register for Newport Notified emergency alerts via NBPD.org. For additional information on sandbags and flood protection, the city’s Municipal Operations Department can be contacted at 949-644-3055.
Prefilled sandbags were made available at City Corporation Yard, Marina Park, and Fire Station No. 1, while empty sandbags could be collected at Benjamin M. Carlson Lifeguard Headquarters.
