Residents of Newport Beach have been advised to stay vigilant due to a dangerous storm surge anticipated this weekend, which is expected to inundate roads and homes.
On Friday, the city issued a warning in preparation for a “king tide” expected from Saturday through Tuesday.
Swimmers should be cautious, as strong currents and waves that could reach heights of 6 to 8 feet are likely. The tides themselves are forecasted to peak at around 7 feet.
Flooding has already begun to affect the area, with reports of a lifeguard tower being overtaken by waves and even impacting a construction vehicle left on the shore. Another lifeguard tower is reportedly secured to a sea wall, completely engulfed in water.
Officials have indicated which neighborhoods are at risk and have provided guidance on how residents can prepare.
Areas particularly vulnerable to flooding include Newport Island, Balboa Island, Finley Tract, Lido Village, Balboa Village, Lafayette Avenue, the Peninsula, as well as parts of the Marcus River and Lake Avenue.
Residents living near Newport Harbor are encouraged to implement protective measures, which might involve installing seawall plugs and placing sandbags around vulnerable spots.
City employees are actively preparing for rising water levels, employing strategies like using pumps and setting up sandbags.
“Our teams are ready and will be monitoring the situation closely this weekend to address any localized flooding caused by the tidal surges,” said Mark Vukojevic, the director of public works for Newport Beach.
He further noted that the city has been proactive, deploying pumps in historic flooding areas and outreach to property owners in regions prone to water accumulation or with low seawalls, urging them to take necessary precautions.
Tragically, this comes on the heels of a heartbreaking incident in Laguna Beach last Tuesday, when a 5-year-old girl was swept away by waves. Her body was recovered two days later, while her mother and another child were rescued by nearby bystanders.
Mayor Mark Orgill described the incident as exceptionally sorrowful, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and emphasizing the community’s support during this difficult time.
