Dear Community Members,
We've had quite a bit of unusual weather along our coastline lately, and we're preparing for more in the coming weeks.
With high heat and wind advisories this week, please take precautions while outdoors. If you're heading to the beach this weekend, stay off the protective sand berms and keep a safe distance from heavy machinery and active work areas.
To make beach access easier, the City has created designated walkways between the berms at 12th, 15th, 19th, 28th, 32nd and 36th streets. These access points allow residents, visitors and first responders to safely reach the beach while preserving the berms, which help protect nearby homes, streets and businesses from coastal flooding.
Looking ahead, we're preparing for unusually high King Tides October 26–28, with additional events expected in November, December, and January.
Recent ocean water levels have been approximately 15 to 20 inches higher than predicted tides. That means a tide forecast at 6.5 feet could potentially reach 8 feet or more if similar conditions continue. With El Niño contributing to elevated water levels, these upcoming tides could bring significant coastal flooding, particularly along the Balboa Peninsula, islands in the Newport Harbor and other low-lying waterfront areas.
Our City teams have been busy reinforcing sand berms, evaluating vulnerable seawalls, placing sandbags, inspecting storm drains and preparing additional pumps, heavy equipment and emergency resources. We're also coordinating additional staffing across City departments to monitor conditions and respond as needed.
Next Monday, October 19, the City Council will hold a special meeting to consider declaring a local emergency ahead of the King Tides event. The City Council will also consider awarding a contract to move sand from the mouth of the Santa Ana River to the West Jetties area to help replenish our beaches and protect against erosion.
While we're doing everything we can to prepare, City efforts cannot eliminate all flood risks. Residents, especially those along the waterfront or in low-lying areas, should take steps now to protect their properties.
If you have a private seawall, inspect it for low sections or openings where water could enter. If your seawall is low, please act now, including placing sandbags or other temporary barriers. Water overtopping one seawall can affect neighboring properties and streets.
Residents should also clear drains, and secure outdoor items.
Free, prefilled sandbags are available while supplies last at:
- Corporation Yard: 592 Superior Ave.
- Marina Park: 1600 W. Balboa Blvd.
- Temporary Fire Station No. 1: East Ocean Front Parking Lot, near Balboa Pier.
The City is also working to expand sandbag pickup locations and will share additional details as they become available. In the meantime, empty sandbags are available at Newport Beach fire stations and Lifeguard Headquarters.
If you haven’t done so yet, I strongly encourage everyone to register for Newport Notified, the City's emergency notification system, at NBPD.org. During an emergency the City will send you a text message giving you timely alerts about changing conditions, road closures and evacuation instructions can make a real difference. You can also follow @cityofnewportbeach on Instagram, Facebook and Nextdoor for updates.
And now, for something a little lighter.
I'd like to introduce two of the newest members of our Newport Beach Police Department Mounted Unit, French Fry and Dually.
Our Mounted Unit supports public safety while giving residents a unique opportunity to connect with our Police Department. I'm sure these two will quickly become community favorites.
As always, thank you for staying informed and helping to keep Newport Beach safe and prepared.
Warmly,
Seimone Jurjis
City Manager
sjurjis@newportbeachca.gov
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