22 Inches: Newport Beach Activates Emergency Plan Ahead of 8-Foot Tides

Residents along the Southern California coast could see water reach streets, garages and homes this week as ocean levels run above seasonal norms. Newport Beach has declared a local emergency to get ahead of the flooding risk. The city is handing out sandbags free of charge and asking owners to check vulnerable spots on their property.

The National Weather Service projects tides as high as 8 feet from San Luis Obispo County to Los Angeles County, with minor to moderate coastal flooding possible. The agency expects significant coastal flooding in San Diego and Orange counties through Thursday. Forecasters say roads may close and water may reach homes, businesses and critical infrastructure.

Newport Beach city manager Seimone Jurjis attributed the elevated water to El Niño and the Kelvin wave, saying regional ocean levels have already run 15 to 22 inches above what models anticipated. "A foot and a half may not sound like much, but in a coastal community like ours, it can mean the difference between water staying below a seawall and water spilling into streets, garages and homes, especially during some of the highest tides of the year," Jurjis said.

The city began moving more than a week before the peak tides were due. Crews spread out across Newport Beach to check infrastructure, build up beach berms and stage sandbags and other gear. The San Diego weather office told beachgoers to stay off rock walls and jetties, keep farther back from the shoreline than usual and avoid beaches at high tide, noting waves will run much farther up the beach than expected.

The preparations follow a stretch of severe weather in the region. Flooding overtook city streets this month and large waves struck beachside homes. The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel damaged homes in California, destroyed a boardwalk and prompted evacuations. State forecasters expect severe storms this winter as El Niño develops across the Pacific.