Newport Beach residents are being warned to take precautions ahead of a weekend of unusually high surf and tidal flooding that could inundate streets and nearby homes.
City officials issued an advisory Friday, urging the public to prepare for “king tides” expected from Saturday through Tuesday.
Visitors and residents can expect powerful surf and elevated tides, with waves forecast to reach 6 to 8 feet and water levels climbing to about 7 feet over the weekend.
The coastal conditions have already caused damage in Newport Beach. Floodwaters knocked over one lifeguard tower and partially submerged a construction vehicle left on the sand. Another tower was seen surrounded by water and secured to nearby flood walls.
Officials also outlined the neighborhoods most likely to see flooding and encouraged residents in those areas to stay alert and take necessary safety measures.
According to the Newport Beach City Manager’s Office, the areas most vulnerable to flooding include Newport Island, Balboa Island, Finley Tract, Lido Village, Balboa Village, LaFayette Avenue, the Peninsula, and parts of the Marcus River and Lake Avenue area.
“Residents with properties adjacent to Newport Harbor should take precautions, including installing seawall plugs and placing sandbags in vulnerable areas,” the dispatch added.
Newport Beach officials are preparing for the rising tides with pumps and sandbags, among other precautions.
“Our crews are prepared and will be working throughout the weekend to monitor conditions and respond to localized flooding caused by the king tides,” Mark Vukojevic, utilities director for the city, told the Orange County Register.
“We have deployed pumps in historically affected areas and taken proactive measures to help protect neighborhoods and keep roadways accessible, including installing gap boards on Balboa Island and placing sandbags in vulnerable areas.
“We have also been in contact with property owners in areas that typically experience ponding or have lower seawalls, encouraging them to take additional precautions to help protect their homes and property,” he added.
The flooding comes as a 5-year-old girl, Amada Mia Brown, was swept away by a massive wave in Laguna Beach on Tuesday. Her body was found Thursday after a desperate search. Her mother and another child survived after bystanders intervened to rescue them.
Laguna Beach Mayor Mark Orgill called it “one of the most heartbreaking incidents I have witnessed during my time serving this community.”
“Our hearts go out to the young victim’s family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss. On behalf of the Laguna Beach community, I extend our deepest condolences and want the family to know they are in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time,” he said.
