Newport Beach Declares Emergency Over 22-Inch Sea Level Rise

Ocean water levels in Newport Beach are running 15 to 22 inches higher than expected this month. City manager Seimone Jurjis attributed the rise to El Niño and a Kelvin wave, noting that the extra height changes how water interacts with local infrastructure.

The city declared a local emergency more than a week before the forecasted peak tides arrived. Staff members are currently inspecting infrastructure, reinforcing beach berms, and installing sandbags across vulnerable areas. The city is distributing free sandbags to residents and advising them to check low-lying areas around their properties.

The National Weather Service forecast significant coastal flooding for San Diego and Orange counties through Thursday. The agency warned that tides could close roads and inundate homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. North of Orange County, areas from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles counties face minor to moderate flooding with tides reaching 8 feet.

Jurjis stated that a 1.5-foot rise can determine whether water stays below a seawall or spills into streets, garages, and homes. She emphasized that this risk is amplified during the highest tides of the year. The NWS office in San Diego advised the public to stay off rock walls and jetties and to position themselves farther from the ocean than usual because waves will run farther up the beach.

This week follows a month of extreme weather in the region. The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel damaged homes, destroyed a boardwalk, and forced evacuations. Flooding has already overtaken city streets, and large waves have struck beachside structures.

A historic El Niño is unfolding in the Pacific Ocean. Forecasters expect California to face severe storms during the winter season as a result of these atmospheric patterns.