Newport Beach declares emergency ahead of record high tides

Southern California coastal areas face a week of high water levels that officials warn could break historical records. The National Weather Service issued a warning for significant coastal flooding in San Diego and Orange counties through Thursday. This forecast includes potential road closures and water entering homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. North of those counties, the stretch from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles expects minor to moderate flooding, with tides reaching eight feet.

The San Diego National Weather Service office advised the public to stay back from the ocean. Waves are expected to travel much farther up the beach than normal. Residents should avoid rock walls and jetties. The agency also urged property owners to protect areas prone to flooding.

Newport Beach in Orange County declared a local emergency more than a week before the peak tides were predicted to arrive. City staff are currently working to inspect local infrastructure. They are reinforcing beach berms and placing sandbags and other equipment in vulnerable spots. The city is distributing free sandbags to residents and asking them to check low-lying areas around their properties.

Seimone Jurjis, the Newport Beach city manager, stated that ocean water levels are already 15 to 22 inches higher than expected. She attributed this rise to El Niño and a Kelvin wave. Jurjis noted that a height difference of one and a half feet can determine whether water stays behind a seawall or spills into streets and garages. This risk is highest during the peak tides of the year.

The region experienced extreme weather earlier this month. Flooding overtook city streets and large waves hit beachside homes. The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel damaged homes, destroyed a boardwalk, and forced evacuations. A historic El Niño is developing in the Pacific Ocean. Forecasters expect California to face severe storms this winter.

The current conditions align with the broader pattern of increased water levels across the coast. Local governments are using emergency powers to coordinate resources. This includes manpower for inspections and materials for protection. The focus remains on preventing water from entering residential and commercial zones during the predicted peak.