Newport Beach Manager: 22-Inch Rise Threatens Homes Ahead of Record Tides

Newport Beach city manager Seimone Jurjis reported that ocean water levels in the region are currently 22 inches higher than expected. This surge is attributed to El Niño and the Kelvin wave. The city declared a local emergency more than one week before the forecasted high tides are scheduled to arrive.

Staff members are deploying across the area to inspect infrastructure. They are reinforcing beach berms and installing sandbags and other equipment. The city is providing free sandbags to residents. Officials advised people to inspect vulnerable areas around their properties.

The National Weather Service warned that significant coastal flooding is expected in San Diego and Orange counties through Thursday. The agency said roads could close and water could inundate homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. To the north, a wide swath of the coast from San Luis Obispo county to Los Angeles county could see minor to moderate coastal flooding. Tides in that area are forecast to reach as high as 8 feet.

The NWS office in San Diego issued a statement urging residents to avoid beaches during high tides. The agency instructed people to stay farther back from the ocean than usual because waves will run much farther up the beach. Officials told residents to stay off rock walls and jetties. The statement also urged property owners to ensure flood-prone areas are protected.

Jurjis said a foot and a half may not sound like much, but in a coastal community, it can mean the difference between water staying below a seawall and water spilling into streets, garages, and homes. She noted this risk is heightened during some of the highest tides of the year.

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 left a trail of destruction in California. The storm significantly damaged homes, destroyed a boardwalk, and forced residents to evacuate.

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