Newport Beach hit with flooding as police issue warning to drivers

This idyllic Orange County retreat has declared an emergency as it sustains serious flooding issues severe enough to strand motorists and endanger homes.

Newport Beach is enduring surging swells into its city streets Friday due to Tropical Storm Rachel and an ongoing Kelvin wave raising sea levels. City officials declared a local emergency later Friday, allowing them to reinforce the coast with additional resources.

“City crews are rebuilding beach berms, operating pumps and opening tide valves to help reduce flooding impacts. The emergency declaration will help the City secure additional resources as hazardous coastal conditions continue through the weekend,” officials wrote.

Several vehicles looked to be submerged in the city’s Balboa Peninsula, and residents were seen trying to power their way through the rushing water.

City officials have warned residents to stay away and avoid the area

“Avoid Balboa Peninsula Due to Flooding,” the Newport Beach Police Department wrote on X. “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.”

“Do not drive through flooded streets. Use alternate routes, exercise caution, and follow directions from public safety personnel. City Crews are actively monitoring conditions and responding to impacted areas. Please avoid unnecessary travel in the area until conditions improve,” they added.

The city said in a later update that six crews are rebuilding sand berms and other teams are operating pumps and opening tide valves to alleviate the flooding.

Footage taken around 10 a.m. showed deep salt water on the Balboa Peninsula. Vehicles could still drive through some sections, but footage around the city showed other vehicles seemingly disabled.

“This disgusting water… that my feet are in,” one video-taker commented as they stood in the Newport Beach flooding. Motorists in the video appeared to be ignoring official warnings about driving in the deep water.

Orange County Rep. Dave Min mirrored local officials’ warning, also saying his office is “closely monitoring the situation.”

The National Weather Service previously issued a coastal flooding advisory, which remains in place through Tuesday.

High tides are expected to be devastating, with waves up to 7 feet expected as Tropical Storm Rachel makes landfall over the weekend. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for San Diego County.

Newport Beach officials asked residents to move their vehicles to higher ground and avoid any flooded streets.

Free sandbags are available in Newport Beach at 592 Superior Ave.

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