Newport Beach officials were preparing Friday to declare a local emergency following widespread coastal flooding that inundated streets and affected properties on the Balboa Peninsula. The flooding occurred due to elevated tides, prompting the city to urge residents and motorists to avoid the peninsula throughout Friday.
City officials indicated that the planned emergency declaration would enable Newport Beach to bring in additional resources. These resources are intended to support flood response efforts and protect both public and private property within the affected areas. Six city crews were actively working Friday to rebuild protective sand berms along the shoreline. Additionally, other teams were operating pumps and opening tide valves to assist in draining flooded streets.
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. The 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. Further south swells are expected to produce another round of elevated surf from Sunday through Tuesday, with the highest surf anticipated on Sunday. On Friday, surf was forecast at 3 to 5 feet, with occasional sets reaching 6 feet, alongside dangerous rip currents.
The weather service also warned that coastal flooding could impact beach parking lots, boardwalks, and roads, with the possibility of isolated road closures and minor beach erosion. Television footage from Friday showed flooded streets on the Balboa Peninsula, where pedestrians were seen wading through standing water and vehicles were partially submerged. The full extent of damage was not immediately clear.
City officials advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel on the peninsula and specifically cautioned motorists against driving through flooded streets. Residents were also encouraged to adhere to directions from public safety personnel and to remain away from the shoreline while hazardous conditions persist. For practical assistance, the city is providing free, prefilled sandbags at its Corporation Yard on Superior Avenue. Empty sandbags are available at Newport Beach fire stations, and lifeguards on the Balboa Peninsula also have sandbags in their vehicles.
Newport Beach maintains a comprehensive network of 86 tidal valves, which are designed to prevent rising ocean water from backing up through storm drains. The city also utilizes 18 pumps to remove standing water from streets near the harbor. The Balboa Peninsula, along with Balboa Island, Newport Island, and other low-lying harborfront neighborhoods, have previously been identified by the city as areas particularly vulnerable to flooding during unusually high tides. Residents seeking additional information about sandbags and flood protection can contact the city’s Municipal Operations Department.
