Newport Beach Declares Emergency Ahead of 8-Foot Tides

Tides are forecast to reach 8 feet along the California coast this week, a height that the National Weather Service describes as potentially record-breaking for the region. The agency warns that coastal flooding will persist through Thursday, with the most severe impacts expected in San Diego and Orange counties. Roads may close, and water is expected to enter homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure in those areas. North of Orange County, from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles, residents should anticipate minor to moderate flooding.

Newport Beach declared a local emergency more than a week before the high tides were predicted to arrive. City staff are currently moving across the area to inspect infrastructure, reinforce beach berms, and install sandbags. The city is providing free sandbags to residents and has advised them to check vulnerable areas around their properties. The early declaration allows staff to complete these tasks before the water levels peak.

City manager Seimone Jurjis explained that ocean water levels in the region are already 15 to 22 inches higher than expected. She attributed this rise to the combined effects of El Niño and a Kelvin wave. Jurjis noted that a one-and-a-half-foot increase can determine whether water stays below a seawall or spills into streets, garages, and homes during the year's highest tides.

The National Weather Service office in San Diego issued a direct warning to the public. Residents should avoid beaches during high tides and keep a greater distance from the ocean than usual. Waves are expected to run much farther up the beach, and people should stay off rock walls and jetties. The agency also reminded property owners to protect flood-prone areas.

This week's tides follow a month of extreme weather in the region. Flooding recently overtook city streets, and large waves struck beachside homes. The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel also caused destruction, damaging homes, destroying a boardwalk, and forcing evacuations. A historic El Niño is currently unfolding in the Pacific, which sets the stage for severe storms throughout the winter.

The National Weather Service expects the highest water levels to occur as the tides peak in the coming days. Communities in the affected zones are monitoring infrastructure and preparing for potential closures. The next major weather event is expected to coincide with the arrival of these high tides.