On Friday morning, Newport Beach officials declared a state of local emergency as ocean water flooded the streets and properties in the Balboa Peninsula area. The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flooding advisory that is effective through Tuesday, while a coastal flood warning is set to expire at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

City Response and Preparations

During an evening news conference, city officials announced that work crews would continue to reconstruct sand berms throughout the night and into the weekend, aiming to protect vulnerable areas ahead of the next high tide. “Our goal is to reinforce as many vulnerable locations as possible before the next high tide,” stated Newport Beach City Manager Seimone Jurjis.

Officials expect flooding risks to peak on Sunday, with tidal levels projected to be 1 to 1.5 feet higher than typical astronomical tides in certain areas, particularly south-facing beaches like Long Beach, Dana Point, and Laguna Beach.

Monitoring Conditions

The emergency response will persist throughout the weekend, with crews consistently monitoring ocean conditions and deploying additional resources as needed. Newport Beach Fire Department Chief Jeff Boyles urged residents to avoid flooded areas, emphasizing safety. “We’re prepared, and we already know that Sunday morning will likely be a little bit worse with the higher tide and larger swell expected,” he said. “We’re experiencing some unprecedented flooding.”

Community Impact

Aerial images captured over the Balboa Peninsula illustrated the extent of the flooding, showing individuals wading through submerged streets, while some vehicles were nearly engulfed. Local businesses and residents have begun cleanup efforts after reports of severe inundation.

Business owner Gus Orozco described the rising water levels: “By 10 o’clock the water was like a lake. The street was flooded, flooded like a lake.” Homeowners like musician Jennifer Trevour also faced challenges, navigating through rising water to save personal belongings, stating, “I got the keyboard out, but nothing else.”

Safety Measures and Assistance

The city has made provisions for sandbags, available for free at the Corporation Yard located at 592 Superior Ave., remaining open overnight for residents. Newport Beach police also confirmed that additional sandbags are accessible through lifeguards on the Balboa Peninsula.