Newport Beach officials declared a local emergency on Tuesday and activated the city’s Emergency Operations Center ahead of exceptionally high tides next week that could trigger another round of coastal flooding following widespread damage and street flooding earlier this month.<\/p>\n
The City Council approved the emergency declaration in preparation for king tides expected Oct. 26-28, with low-lying neighborhoods along the Balboa Peninsula, islands in Newport Harbor and other waterfront areas considered particularly vulnerable, city officials announced Monday.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The move comes more than a week after powerful waves and elevated ocean water levels associated with Tropical Storm Rachel flooded streets on the Balboa Peninsula, prompting an earlier local emergency declaration and temporary closures of the Newport and Balboa piers and the Wedge surfing area.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Those areas reopened Oct. 12 as conditions improved, although protective sand berms remained in place and city officials continued to warn of elevated surf and high tides.<\/p>\n
The latest emergency declaration will help the city obtain additional resources for flood prevention and response, while the Emergency Operations Center will coordinate preparations among city departments, according to officials.<\/p>\n
City officials warned that recent ocean water levels have been running approximately 18 to 22 inches higher than predicted astronomical tides, raising concerns that next week’s high tides could produce more severe flooding than forecasts indicate. If those conditions persist, actual water levels could be significantly higher than anticipated, officials said.<\/p>\n
The upcoming king tides are the first in a series of unusually high tide events expected in October, November, December and into the new year. City officials said El Ni\u00f1o conditions could further contribute to elevated ocean water levels in the coming months.<\/p>\n
The City Council also approved a contract for the West Newport Beach Sand Replenishment Project, which will place approximately 100,000 cubic yards of sand along eroded beach areas between 36th and 62nd streets.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The sand will be transported from the mouth of the Santa Ana River to replenish beaches affected by recent storms and provide additional protection against erosion and coastal flooding. Work is expected to begin later this week, according to the city.<\/p>\n
During the earlier flooding, city crews and Orange County personnel worked to reinforce sand berms, pump water from flooded streets and protect homes and businesses along the coastline.<\/p>\n
Orange County Board Vice Chair Katrina Foley said earlier this month that the county had assisted Newport Beach with tens of thousands of sandbags, pumping equipment and additional personnel.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Newport Beach maintains a network of 86 tidal valves designed to prevent rising ocean water from backing up through storm drains, along with 18 pumps used to remove standing water from streets near the harbor.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Municipal crews are again reinforcing protective beach berms, inspecting stormwater infrastructure, preparing tide valves and pumping systems, and positioning sandbags, equipment and personnel in flood-prone areas.<\/p>\n
City staff will continue monitoring tide predictions, weather forecasts and actual ocean water levels before and during the upcoming high tides.<\/p>\n
Officials cautioned that the preparations cannot eliminate all potential flooding and urged waterfront property owners and residents of vulnerable neighborhoods to take steps to protect their homes, vehicles and belongings.<\/p>\n
Residents were encouraged to install sandbags or temporary flood barriers near seawalls, garages, doorways and other low-lying openings.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Property owners were also urged to inspect private flood protection systems, clear debris from drains and gutters, and move vehicles away from streets and parking areas prone to flooding.<\/p>\n
The city warned residents not to walk or drive through flooded streets and to obey temporary road closures and posted warnings.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Free, prefilled sandbags are available at the city’s Corporation Yard, 592 Superior Ave.; Marina Park, 1600 W. Balboa Blvd.; and temporary Fire Station No. 1 at the East Ocean Front Parking Lot near Balboa Pier. Empty sandbags are also available at Lifeguard Headquarters and Newport Beach fire stations. Supplies are limited, according to officials.<\/p>\n
The city may implement temporary street closures and parking restrictions if conditions warrant.<\/p>\n
Residents can obtain information about anticipated tides, flood protection measures and sandbag availability at NewportBeachCA.gov\/ElNino<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n