Newport Beach Flooded by Tropical Storm, Officials Issue Warnings
Rising sea levels and storm surge from Tropical Storm Rachel have inundated streets on the Balboa Peninsula, leading to stranded vehicles and official advisories.
Newport Beach is experiencing severe street flooding due to Tropical Storm Rachel and an elevated Kelvin wave, prompting warnings from the Newport Beach Police Department for drivers to avoid the Balboa Peninsula.
The flooding has submerged several vehicles in the popular coastal area, with residents seen attempting to navigate through the surging water. City officials are actively monitoring the situation and deploying crews to manage the inundation.
"Avoid Balboa Peninsula Due to Flooding," the police department stated on X, formerly Twitter. "The City of Newport Beach is advising residents and motorists to avoid the Balboa Peninsula due to street flooding caused by recent storm conditions and elevated tides." They urged the public to "Do not drive through flooded streets. Use alternate routes, exercise caution, and follow directions from public safety personnel."
City crews are working to alleviate the flooding by rebuilding sand berms and operating pumps and tide valves. Footage from Friday morning showed significant saltwater covering the Balboa Peninsula, with some areas impassable for vehicles, while others remained navigable but challenging.
Orange County Representative Dave Min acknowledged the situation, stating his office is closely monitoring the developments. The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flooding advisory, which is expected to remain in effect through Tuesday. The region anticipates waves up to 7 feet as Tropical Storm Rachel approaches landfall over the weekend, with a Tropical Storm Watch issued for San Diego County.