Newport Beach declares emergency after coastal flooding

Newport Beach declared a local state of emergency Friday after high surf and high tides pushed seawater into streets on the Balboa Peninsula ahead of Tropical Storm Rachel, Voice of OC reported.

The flooding prompted emergency preparations across Orange County beach cities as the National Weather Service warned that Sunday was expected to bring the worst conditions, including rain and gusty coastal winds.

Voice of OC reported that the Balboa Peninsula saw street flooding Friday morning as high surf moved seawater into low-lying coastal areas. Newport Beach declared a state of emergency shortly after noon Friday, allowing the city to seek additional resources for flood mitigation.

According to Voice of OC, the Newport Police Department said at 11:11 a.m. Friday that crews were rebuilding sand berms and pumping water out of flooded streets. Residents were advised to use sandbags, clear gutters and move cars away from areas vulnerable to flooding.

Laguna Beach also warned residents that seawater had started flooding part of Pacific Coast Highway and coastal sidewalks, Voice of OC reported. The entire Southern California coastline was under a Coastal Flood Advisory until Tuesday at 2 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Tropical Storm Rachel was expected to make landfall late Saturday to early Sunday, according to Voice of OC. The National Weather Service said Sunday was expected to bring the most severe conditions, with rainfall and gusty winds along the coast.

The storm preparations come as forecasters point to a strong El Niño season. Voice of OC reported that the National Weather Service forecast an 83% chance of a historic El Niño event from October to December and a 70% chance from November through January.

The Orange County Transportation Authority approved emergency action to send sand and riprap to beaches before El Niño season, according to Voice of OC.

City officials said residents and property owners should continue taking precautions as coastal conditions change.