Urgent disaster warning as king tides set to unleash dangerous Newport Beach flooding

Newport Beach residents have been urged to protect themselves from dangerous high tides this weekend that are expected to flood streets and homes in the area.

Newport Beach issued an advisory Friday to prepare for the so-called “king tides” from Saturday through Tuesday.

Beachgoers should expect to see strong tides and waves in the 6- to 8-foot range. The tides will reach heights of around 7 feet this weekend.

Flooding has already impacted Newport Beach, toppling a lifeguard tower and enveloping a construction vehicle that was abandoned on the beach. Another lifeguard tower was seen surrounded by water while tied to the flood walls.

Officials have advised which areas will be impacted and what residents should do.

“Areas most susceptible to flooding include Newport Island, Balboa Island, Finley Tract, Lido Village, Balboa Village, LaFayette Avenue, the Peninsula and portions of the Marcus River and Lake Avenue area,” according to a dispatch from the Newport Beach City Manager’s Office.

“Residents with properties adjacent to Newport Harbor should take precautions, including installing seawall plugs and placing sandbags in vulnerable areas,” the dispatch added.

Newport Beach officials are preparing for the rising tides with pumps and sandbags, among other precautions.

“Our crews are prepared and will be working throughout the weekend to monitor conditions and respond to localized flooding caused by the king tides,” Mark Vukojevic, utilities director for the city, told the Orange County Register.

“We have deployed pumps in historically affected areas and taken proactive measures to help protect neighborhoods and keep roadways accessible, including installing gap boards on Balboa Island and placing sandbags in vulnerable areas.

“We have also been in contact with property owners in areas that typically experience ponding or have lower seawalls, encouraging them to take additional precautions to help protect their homes and property,” he added.

The flooding comes as a 5-year-old girl, Amada Mia Brown, was swept away by a massive wave in Laguna Beach on Tuesday. Her body was found Thursday after a desperate search. Her mother and another child survived after bystanders intervened to rescue them.

Laguna Beach Mayor Mark Orgill called it “one of the most heartbreaking incidents I have witnessed during my time serving this community.”

“Our hearts go out to the young victim’s family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss. On behalf of the Laguna Beach community, I extend our deepest condolences and want the family to know they are in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time,” he said.

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