Updated 10 October 2026. This is a fast-moving situation. Check the official sources listed at the end before you travel or make decisions.
Newport Beach, California, flooded on Friday, 9 October 2026, when high tides and surf from Tropical Storm Rachel pushed seawater into streets on the Balboa Peninsula. The city declared a local emergency early that afternoon. Officials expect more flooding this weekend, with Sunday forecast to be the most serious day.
This guide explains what happened, why it happened, what to expect next, and how to protect yourself and your property.
What happened
The flooding began Thursday night, according to city officials quoted by local outlets, as higher-than-normal surf and elevated ocean levels linked to Rachel reached the coast. By Friday morning's high tide, parts of Balboa Boulevard and nearby residential streets were under water.
Reports say seawater spilled over sand barriers, stranded vehicles and reached homes several blocks from the beach. The city's utilities director told ABC7 that the flooding covered an estimated 15 to 20 blocks. NBC Los Angeles, by contrast, described about 10 blocks, with water knee-high in places. The difference likely reflects the time of day and the area counted, so treat the figures as approximate.
The city declared a local emergency at about 1 p.m. on Friday. That allows it to seek extra resources, including mutual aid from other agencies. No injuries were reported in Newport Beach, according to a report carried by the Spokesman-Review, although some homes were damaged there and in Long Beach. One city councilman called it the worst he had seen in 20 years on the Peninsula.
Why is Newport Beach flooding?
Three things are combining:
- High tides. Every high tide is expected to run higher than normal, especially on south-facing beaches.
- Elevated ocean levels. City Manager Seimone Jurjis said water levels remained unusually high even at low tide on Friday.
- Large swells from Tropical Storm Rachel. Waves from the distant storm push water over the sand berms that protect low-lying neighborhoods.
The National Weather Service said the risk is highest where earlier storms have already stripped away protective sand. Newport Beach has long identified the Balboa Peninsula, Balboa Island, Newport Island and other low-lying harbor neighborhoods as especially vulnerable during unusually high tides.
Which areas are affected
- Balboa Peninsula: the hardest hit so far, including Balboa Boulevard and surrounding streets.
- Balboa Island and Newport Island: identified by the city as vulnerable harborfront areas. I did not find confirmed flooding reports for them in the sources I checked, so watch official alerts.
- Other Southern California coastline: Long Beach saw waves tear apart sections of a protective boardwalk, leaving several buildings unsafe to enter. South-facing beaches in Dana Point and Laguna Beach are also expected to see higher tides.
What to expect this weekend
Official information varies a little by source and time, so use this as a summary, not a schedule:
- Saturday: Jurjis said Saturday morning's high tide should be about 3 inches higher than Friday's.
- Sunday: the highest risk. The Weather Service expects tides of roughly 1 to 1.5 feet above the astronomical tide tables, with surf of 5 to 7 feet and sets up to 9 feet.
- Rachel's track: the storm was forecast to approach the coast near the California–Mexico border late Saturday or Sunday. The Weather Service issued a tropical storm watch for San Diego County, only the second such watch ever issued for California. Most direct effects are expected in San Diego County on Sunday morning, but Orange and Los Angeles counties could still see rain and coastal flooding.
- Alerts: a coastal flood warning was reported for Orange County beaches through 3 p.m. Sunday, and a coastal flood advisory through Tuesday afternoon. Alert types and end times can change, so check the Weather Service directly.
How the city is responding
City crews are rebuilding sand berms, running pumps and opening tide valves to drain street flooding. Newport Beach maintains 86 tidal valves, which stop ocean water from backing up through storm drains, and 18 pumps for removing standing water near the harbor. The city asked contractors and other agencies for additional people and equipment. Lifeguard vehicles on the Peninsula carry sandbags.
The city advises residents and drivers to avoid the Balboa Peninsula while conditions remain dangerous.
How to stay safe
The city's message is simple: do not walk or drive through standing water. The following is general flood-safety guidance, not an official instruction for this event.
- Stay away from the Peninsula if you do not need to be there. Flooded streets can hide potholes, debris and open drains.
- Do not drive into floodwater. Even shallow water can stall a car, and saltwater damages engines and electronics.
- Avoid contact with floodwater. Coastal and street floodwater can carry sewage, fuel and sharp debris.
- Move vehicles and valuables. If you live in a low-lying area, park on higher ground and lift belongings off floors.
- Stay off beaches and piers. Large surf and rip currents are dangerous. Lifeguards have warned of hazardous conditions.
- Plan around the tide. The worst flooding tends to occur around high tide. Look up the tide times for your area.
If your home or car floods
- Take photos and video before cleaning up, for insurance and any disaster-assistance claims.
- Contact your insurer. Standard homeowners policies often exclude flood damage, so ask about flood coverage.
- Do not run electrical equipment that has been in water until it has been inspected.
- Report hazards, such as downed lines or sewage backups, to the city rather than trying to fix them yourself.
Where to get official updates
- City of Newport Beach: its website and social media posts carry emergency declarations, street advisories and berm or pump updates.
- National Weather Service (San Diego office, which covers Orange County): coastal flood warnings, advisories, surf forecasts and tide information.
- Orange County emergency information: the county has an El Niño-related website for residents.
- Local TV and news outlets: useful for live conditions, but confirm advisories with official sources.
Frequently asked questions
Is Newport Beach still flooding?
Conditions were expected to continue through the weekend with each high tide. Sunday morning is forecast to be the worst period. Check live city and Weather Service updates.
Is Balboa Island flooded?
Balboa Island is one of the areas the city has identified as vulnerable to high-tide flooding. I did not find a confirmed flooding report for it in the sources I reviewed, so check the city's updates.
Why did the city declare a local emergency?
A local emergency lets the city request extra resources, such as mutual aid, equipment and contractors, to respond faster.
Is it safe to visit Newport Beach?
The city is asking people to avoid the Balboa Peninsula for now. Other areas may be accessible, but surf and rip-current hazards remain.
Is this a king tide?
Sources describe elevated tides combined with surf from Rachel. I did not find an official statement calling this event a king tide, so the article does not label it as one.
Bottom line
The worst of the Newport Beach flooding is tied to tide timing, storm swell and thin sand berms. If you live near the Peninsula, plan for another round on Sunday morning, keep away from flooded streets, and rely on official updates as the situation changes.
