Newport Beach declares emergency as record tides threaten coastal homes

Coastal communities in Southern California are preparing for extended flooding this week as the National Weather Service forecasts potentially record-breaking tides. The NWS predicts that San Diego and Orange counties will experience significant coastal flooding through Thursday, a condition that could close roads and inundate homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. Further north, areas from San Luis Obispo county to Los Angeles county face minor to moderate flooding, with tides reaching heights of eight feet.

The NWS office in San Diego advised residents to avoid beaches during high tide periods and to stay further back from the ocean than usual. The agency noted that waves will run much farther up the beach than expected and instructed the public to stay off rock walls and jetties. Residents were also told to ensure flood-prone property is protected throughout the week.

Newport Beach, an Orange County city, declared a local emergency more than a week before the high tides were forecast to arrive. City staff are currently deploying across the area to inspect infrastructure, reinforce beach berms, and install sandbags and other equipment. The city is providing free sandbags to residents and has advised them to inspect vulnerable areas around their properties.

Newport Beach city manager Seimone Jurjis stated that ocean water levels in the region are already 15 to 22 inches higher than expected. She attributed this increase to the combined effects of El Niño and a Kelvin wave. Jurjis explained that a foot and a half difference in water level can mean the distinction between water staying below a seawall and water spilling into streets, garages, and homes, particularly during the year's highest tides.

The region has already experienced extreme weather this month. Flooding overtook city streets, and large waves struck beachside homes. The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel caused significant damage, destroying a boardwalk and forcing residents to evacuate. The storm left a trail of destruction across California, damaging numerous homes.

With a historic El Niño unfolding in the Pacific, California is expected to face severe storms this winter. The current tide event is part of this larger atmospheric pattern that is driving water levels above normal projections for the region.