Newport Beach declares emergency after Balboa Peninsula flooding

Newport Beach declared a local emergency after high tide tied to Tropical Storm Rachel flooded streets across the Balboa Peninsula Friday morning, stranding vehicles and damaging homes and businesses, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

The Orange County coastal city moved to reinforce vulnerable areas before more high tides, with a Coastal Flooding Advisory in place through Tuesday afternoon for the Southern California coast, ABC7 reported.

ABC7 Los Angeles reported that flooding swept through parts of the Balboa Peninsula on Friday morning, leaving vehicles stranded and causing damage to homes and businesses. Much of the peninsula was closed before roads reopened by Friday afternoon.

Newport Beach Mayor Lauren Kleiman said at a Friday evening news conference that the emergency declaration would help the city obtain support and work with regional partners. "Our priority is the safety of our residents and visitors and protecting homes, businesses and public infrastructure," Kleiman said.

City Manager Seimone Jurjis said city crews and contractors were using heavy equipment to rebuild and strengthen protective sand berms along the beaches, according to ABC7. Jurjis said crews also were running pumps, opening tide valves and taking other steps to limit street flooding.

Sandbags were available to residents at the city corporate yard at 592 Superior Avenue, with more planned for Marina Park and lifeguard vehicles, ABC7 reported. The city also requested mutual aid and prepared police to help with traffic control and emergency access if flooding returned.

Mark Vukojevic, the city utilities director, told ABC7 that reports showed about 15 to 20 blocks of street flooding on the peninsula. He said Friday morning's tide was 20 inches above the predicted level, higher than the 12 inches above forecast the city had previously seen.

Officials said Sunday was the main day of concern because of high tide, powerful swells and rip currents, while the coastal advisory remained in effect through Tuesday afternoon.