The Newport Beach City Council declared a local emergency on Monday and activated the city’s Emergency Operations Center in preparation for exceptionally high tides. These 'king tides' are expected to occur from October 26-28 and could lead to coastal flooding in low-lying areas, including neighborhoods along the Balboa Peninsula, the islands within Newport Harbor, and other waterfront zones.
The declaration follows an earlier local emergency issued this month due to widespread street flooding on the Balboa Peninsula, which resulted from powerful waves and elevated ocean water levels associated with Tropical Storm Rachel. During that event, the Newport and Balboa piers, along with The Wedge surfing area, were temporarily closed, reopening on October 12 once conditions improved. Protective sand berms remained in place even after conditions eased.
City officials stated that the latest emergency declaration is intended to help Newport Beach obtain additional resources for flood prevention and response efforts. The activated Emergency Operations Center will coordinate preparatory actions across various city departments. Officials expressed concern that recent ocean water levels have consistently run approximately 18 to 22 inches higher than predicted astronomical tides, raising the possibility of more severe flooding than current forecasts indicate for the upcoming king tides.
These anticipated king tides represent the initial event in a series of unusually high tide occurrences projected for October, November, December, and into the new year. Furthermore, city officials noted that prevailing El Niño conditions could contribute to sustained elevated ocean water levels in the coming months.
In a related action, the City Council also approved a contract for the West Newport Beach Sand Replenishment Project. This project will involve placing approximately 100,000 cubic yards of sand along eroded beach areas situated between 36th and 62nd streets. The sand for this initiative is slated to be transported from the mouth of the Santa Ana River. The objective of this replenishment is to restore beaches affected by recent storms and to enhance protection against both erosion and coastal flooding. Work on the project is expected to commence later this week.
During the previous flooding incident earlier this month, city crews collaborated with Orange County personnel to reinforce sand berms, pump standing water from flooded streets, and safeguard homes and businesses along the coastline. Orange County Board Vice Chair Katrina Foley confirmed that Orange County provided assistance to Newport Beach, including tens of thousands of sandbags, pumping equipment, and additional personnel.
Newport Beach maintains a comprehensive flood control infrastructure, which includes a network of 86 tidal valves designed to prevent rising ocean water from backing up through storm drains. Additionally, the city operates 18 pumps specifically used to remove standing water from streets located near the harbor. Currently, municipal crews are actively reinforcing protective beach berms, inspecting stormwater infrastructure, preparing tide valves and pumping systems, and strategically positioning sandbags, equipment, and personnel in identified flood-prone areas.
City staff will continue to closely monitor tide predictions, weather forecasts, and actual ocean water levels both before and during the impending high tide events. Officials cautioned that while these preparations are extensive, they cannot completely eliminate all potential flooding. Waterfront property owners and residents in vulnerable neighborhoods are urged to take proactive steps to protect their homes, vehicles, and personal belongings. Specific recommendations include installing sandbags or temporary flood barriers near seawalls, garages, doorways, and other low-lying openings. Property owners are also advised to inspect their private flood protection systems, clear debris from drains and gutters, and move vehicles away from streets and parking areas susceptible to flooding.
Residents are strongly warned against walking or driving through flooded streets and are instructed to comply with any temporary road closures and posted warnings. Prefilled sandbags are available free of charge at the city’s Corporation Yard, located at 592 Superior Avenue; Marina Park, at 1600 West Balboa Boulevard; and a temporary Fire Station No. 1, situated in the East Ocean Front Parking Lot near Balboa Pier. Empty sandbags are also provided at Lifeguard Headquarters and Newport Beach fire stations, though supplies are limited. The city may implement temporary street closures and parking restrictions as warranted by conditions. Residents can find further information on anticipated tides, flood protection measures, and sandbag availability at NewportBeachCA.gov/ElNino, and emergency alerts are accessible through Newport Notified at NBPD.org. In the event of an immediate threat to life or safety, officials urged residents to call 911.
