High tide floods streets of Newport Beach

The city of Newport Beach has declared a local emergency after severe coastal flooding inundated streets on the Balboa Peninsula. Driven by high tides, strong onshore winds, and swells from approaching Tropical Storm Rachel, the rising waters have prompted city crews to rapidly rebuild protective sand berms, open tide valves, and deploy water pumps to drain the roadways. With a National Weather Service Coastal Flood Warning in effect through Sunday afternoon and the most dangerous conditions expected Sunday morning—including surf sets up to 9 feet—officials are urging the public to avoid the Balboa Peninsula and never drive through flooded streets. Residents in vulnerable, low-lying harborfront areas are advised to secure their properties with city-provided sandbags, as a coastal flood advisory is expected to remain in effect through Tuesday.