Newport Beach declares local emergency for record tides

Newport Beach officials have declared a local emergency to prepare for coastal flooding that is forecast to reach record levels this week. The city is moving to protect infrastructure and homes before tides peak, a move that came more than a week before the highest water levels are expected to arrive.

The National Weather Service predicts significant coastal flooding in San Diego and Orange counties through Thursday. The agency warns that water may close roads and enter homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. North of that region, the coast stretching from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles counties faces minor to moderate flooding with tides reaching 8 feet.

Newport Beach began its response immediately after the forecast was issued. City staff are inspecting infrastructure, reinforcing beach berms, and installing sandbags. The city is providing free sandbags to residents and advising them to check vulnerable areas on their properties. The National Weather Service office in San Diego told the public to avoid beaches during high tides and stay farther back from the ocean than usual because waves will run higher up the shore.

City manager Seimone Jurjis stated that ocean water levels are already 15 to 22 inches higher than expected due to El Niño and the Kelvin wave. She noted that this difference can determine whether water stays below a seawall or spills into streets, garages, and homes.

"A foot and a half may not sound like much, but in a coastal community like ours, it can mean the difference between water staying below a seawall and water spilling into streets, garages and homes, especially during some of the highest tides of the year," Jurjis said.

This month has already seen extreme weather in the region. Flooding overtook city streets, and large waves struck beachside homes. Remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel also damaged homes, destroyed a boardwalk, and forced evacuations.

With a historic El Niño unfolding in the Pacific, California faces severe storms this winter. The National Weather Service expects the current high tides to continue through Thursday, with the most severe impacts concentrated in the southern coastal areas.