Newport Beach Declares Local Emergency Amid Approaching King Tides
The coastal city is preparing for elevated water levels and potential flooding from Oct. 26 to Oct. 28.
Newport Beach has declared a local emergency in anticipation of exceptionally high King Tides that are expected to affect the Orange County community starting on October 26. The city has activated its emergency operations center to manage flood prevention and response efforts as coastal water levels are projected to reach elevated heights.
The high tides are forecast to begin on October 26, with predicted water levels reaching 6.5 feet and potentially cresting at 8.3 feet. The peak is expected on October 27, with tides reaching 6.7 feet and a potential high of 8.5 feet. Elevated conditions are anticipated to persist through October 28, with a predicted height of 6.6 feet.
City officials have urged residents in low-lying and waterfront areas to take protective measures for their homes, vehicles, and properties, noting that ocean water levels are already higher than initially predicted. The West Newport Beach Sand Replenishment Project has also been approved, which involves moving approximately 100,000 cubic yards of sand from the Santa Ana River mouth to restore eroded beaches between 36th and 62nd Streets.
Free sandbags are available to residents at three designated locations: 592 Superior Ave., 1600 W. Balboa Blvd, and the East Ocean Front Parking Lot near Balboa Pier. This proactive declaration follows a previous local emergency and beach closures on October 9 due to flooding from Tropical Storm Rachel, which saw seawater inundate the Balboa Peninsula and threaten coastal properties and infrastructure.