Newport Beach declares emergency as record tides approach

Southern California coastal communities face days of flooding this week as tides are forecast to reach record levels. The National Weather Service issued warnings for significant coastal flooding in San Diego and Orange counties through Thursday. Officials expect the water to close roads and enter homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

North of Orange County, the coast from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles counties may experience minor to moderate flooding. Tides in that stretch could reach 8 feet. The NWS office in San Diego urged people to avoid beaches during high tide and stay farther back from the ocean than usual.

Newport Beach declared a local emergency more than a week before the high tides are expected to arrive. City staff are inspecting infrastructure, reinforcing beach berms, and installing sandbags. The city is distributing free sandbags and asking residents to check vulnerable areas around their properties.

Newport Beach city manager Seimone Jurjis said ocean water levels in the region are already 15 to 22 inches higher than expected. She attributed the rise to El Niño and the Kelvin wave. Jurjis noted that a foot and a half of extra water can mean the difference between water staying below a seawall and spilling into streets and garages.

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. A historic El Niño is unfolding in the Pacific, and California is expected to face severe storms this winter.

The NWS advised residents to make sure flood-prone property is protected. They also warned that waves will run much farther up the beach than expected and to stay off rock walls and jetties.