Newport Beach declares local emergency ahead of record tides

The city of Newport Beach declared a local emergency on Monday, October 19, to prepare for coastal flooding expected to peak by Thursday, October 29. The declaration was issued more than a week before the forecasted high tides were to arrive.

National Weather Service officials predict significant coastal flooding in San Diego and Orange counties through Thursday. Tides are expected to reach heights of up to eight feet. The agency warned that these conditions could close roads and inundate homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. North of the region, areas from San Luis Obispo County to Los Angeles County face minor to moderate flooding risks.

Newport Beach city manager Seimone Jurjis stated that ocean water levels in the region are already 15 to 22 inches higher than expected due to El Niño and the Kelvin wave. Jurjis noted that this elevation can determine whether water stays below a seawall or spills into streets, garages, and homes during high tides.

City staff are deploying across the area to inspect infrastructure and reinforce beach berms. Workers are installing sandbags and other equipment to protect vulnerable zones. The city is providing free sandbags to residents and advising them to inspect low-lying areas around their properties.

The National Weather Service office in San Diego urged the public to avoid beaches during high tides. The agency instructed residents to stay farther back from the ocean than usual because waves will run much farther up the beach. Officials also recommended staying off rock walls and jetties.

This month has already brought extreme weather to the region. Flooding overtook city streets, and large waves struck beachside homes. The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel damaged homes, destroyed a boardwalk, and forced residents to evacuate earlier in the month.

California is currently experiencing a historic El Niño in the Pacific. The state is expected to face severe storms throughout the winter season.