Coastal roads in the Newport Beach Balboa Peninsula area experienced severe flooding due to high surf and a high tide fueled by the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel, prompting city officials to declare a local state of emergency for additional protection.
Severe Flooding Hits Balboa Peninsula
The flooding began rapidly around 9 a.m. during high tide. Ocean water rushed inland from near The Wedge, covering approximately two miles of multiple roadways in the Balboa Peninsula area up to two blocks deep.
One driver traveling through the flooded streets shared, “It looked shallow at first so I drove through, but I couldn’t tell the depth. I managed to get out, but the force of the water damaged parts of my car.”
Emergency Response and Warnings
The City of Newport Beach declared a local state of emergency around 1:00 p.m. City officials are actively mitigating flood damage by rebuilding beach sand berms, operating drainage pumps, and opening tidal valves.
Authorities urged drivers to detour, warning that vehicles passing through flooded roads push water further into surrounding residences. Some local residents even stepped up with homemade signs to block cars from entering the flooded zones.
No injuries have been reported so far.
Upcoming Weather Warnings
Officials warn that this flooding is not the end of the crisis. High surf and high tides are expected to persist through the weekend, with even stronger waves threatening the coast from Sunday into Monday.
The National Weather Service forecasts that surge-driven water levels could reach about 7 feet by Monday.
The Newport Beach City Department is offering free pre-filled sandbags at its public facilities yard, while the fire department continues to distribute empty sandbags while supplies last.
