Newport Beach closes beaches and piers amid flooding

Newport Beach closed all city beaches and piers Saturday until further notice after Tropical Storm Rachel helped drive high surf, elevated tides and flooding on the Balboa Peninsula, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.

The closure comes as the National Weather Service warned of coastal flooding along Orange County beaches through at least 3 p.m. Sunday, with the greatest threat expected Sunday morning.

ABC7 Los Angeles reported that Newport Beach announced the closures Saturday morning as flooding and hazardous conditions continued along the coast. The city told the public to avoid closed beach and pier areas so emergency crews could work safely.

According to ABC7 Los Angeles, street flooding hit the Balboa Peninsula on Thursday night after higher-than-normal surf and elevated ocean water levels associated with Tropical Storm Rachel affected the coastline.

The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood warning Friday afternoon for Orange County beaches through at least 3 p.m. Sunday, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. Forecasters said increased ocean swells, strong onshore winds and high tides above 7 feet could create the most dangerous conditions Sunday morning.

City Manager Seimone Jurjis, acting director of emergency services, issued an emergency declaration Friday to help Newport Beach obtain more resources, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

ABC7 Los Angeles reported that six city crews worked Friday to rebuild protective sand berms along the shoreline. The city also used pumps and opened tide valves to drain flooded streets.

Foley said her office helped get 10,000 sandbags to Newport Beach on Friday morning, with 20,000 more delivered later Friday, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. The report said her office also sought support from the Coastal Commission, the governor's office and Orange County Public Works.

City officials said the closures will remain in place until further notice as crews respond to flooding and hazardous coastal conditions.