A local emergency was declared Friday after streets in Newport Beach were flooded as high surf pounded the Southern California coastline.
City crews were working to rebuild protective sand berms in the Orange County community. Video showed water flooding streets for about 10 blocks on the Balboa Peninsula, where water was knee-high in some areas.
“One of our biggest challenges is that the ocean water levels remain unusually high, even during the low tide,” Newport Beach City Manager Seimone Jurjis said, adding Saturday morning’s high tide is expected to be about 3 inches higher than what the city saw Friday. “That limits how quickly water can drain from the streets.”
Crews also used pumps and opened tide valves to reduce flooding, which appeared to diminish Friday afternoon. Authorities urged residents to be cautious and stay clear of the shore with high surf expected into the weekend.
“The City of Newport Beach is advising residents and motorists to avoid the Balboa Peninsula due to street flooding caused by recent storm conditions and elevated tides,” the city said in a post on X.
The city declared a local emergency to help Newport Beach obtain additional resources in response to the flooding and elevated surf. The emergency response was expected to continue through the weekend.
Temporary street closures and parking restrictions are possible.
Elevated surf and high tides are expected to create hazardous conditions along beaches in Los Angeles and Orange counties. A coastal flood warning is effect for LA and Orange county beaches through 3 p.m. Sunday.
Newport City officials urged neighbors in flood-prone areas to take precautions and move their vehicles and possessions away from areas that may flood.
Some big changes are on the way with lower temperatures and a chance for rain on Sunday. This video was broadcast on the NBC4 News at 6 a.m. on Oct. 9, 2026.
In Orange County, surf of 3 to 5 feet, with occasional sets reaching 6 feet, is expected Friday along south- and southwest-facing beaches. A stronger southerly swell associated with Rachel is expected to arrive Sunday, potentially producing surf of 6 to 9 feet before decreasing to 3 to 6 feet Monday and Tuesday.
“Sunday is the day to watch when we could have those larger swells,” said De Leon.
Strong rip currents, elevated surf and unusually high tides could produce coastal flooding and beach erosion, particularly in low-lying areas.
Morning high tides approaching 7 feet, combined with large waves and increasing winds, could create the greatest coastal flooding threat Sunday.