Rich California beach town issues emergency alert as King Tides and storms sweep in

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Newport Beach has once again declared a local emergency ahead of exceptionally high King Tides expected to hit the idyllic Orange County community later this month.

Coastal water levels are expected to crest at elevated heights from Oct. 26 to 28. The high tides will begin on Oct. 26, with a predicted height of 6.5 feet and potentially reaching 8.3 feet.

The tides will peak on Oct. 27, hitting 6.7 feet with potential crests up to 8.5 feet. Elevated conditions are expected to continue on Oct. 28, reaching a predicted 6.6 feet.

The tides will remain elevated the following morning, reaching a predicted 6.6 feet and up to a potential 8.4 feet on Oct. 28.

Newport Beach has activated its emergency operations center to coordinate flood prevention and response efforts.

“With ocean water levels already running higher than predicted, residents in low-lying and waterfront areas are strongly encouraged to take precautions now to protect their homes, vehicles and property,” city officials said Monday.

The city has also approved the West Newport Beach Sand Replenishment Project, with roughly 100,000 cubic yards of sand from the Santa Ana River mouth to be moved in an effort to restore eroded beaches between 36th and 62nd Streets.

Free sandbags are available in Newport Beach at three locations: 592 Superior Ave., 1600 W. Balboa Blvd, and East Ocean Front Parking Lot near Balboa Pier.

The coastal city had shut down all of its beaches and declared a local emergency on Oct. 9 after Tropical Storm Rachel churned toward Southern California. The seawater rushed across the Balboa Peninsula and threatened waterfront homes, streets and businesses.

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