Newport Beach police urge residents to prepare ahead of end-of-year West Coast King Tides
King Tides are expected to impact the city on the week of Thanksgiving, Nov. 23 to 27; the week of Christmas, Dec. 22 to 26 and into January 2027.
Newport Beach officials work to rebuild sand berms ahead of October King Tides
The City of Newport Beach, California, worked hard to build up sand berms along the beach ahead of October's King Tide flooding.
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Residents and property owners in Newport Beach are urged to prepare immediately for King Tides expected to impact Southern California in late November through the new year.
The police department said ocean levels could rise a foot or higher above what was recorded in October, a record-breaking high tide of 8.4 feet.
WHAT ARE KING TIDES? THE NATURAL PHENOMENON BEHIND SEASONAL COASTAL FLOODING
Water pooling next to a curb in Newport Beach, California, during King TIdes.
(City of Newport Beach - City Hall/Facebook / FOX Weather)
These King Tides are expected to significantly increase the risk of coastal flooding in low-lying, flood-prone areas, including waterfront properties.
King Tides are expected to impact the city on the week of Thanksgiving, Nov. 23 to 27; the week of Christmas, Dec. 22 to 26 and into January 2027.
HOW THE BREWING SUPER EL NIÑO WILL BENEFIT VARIOUS REGIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Newport Beach city crews continue to prepare infrastructure for the incoming King Tides by reinforcing protective sand berms, inspecting stormwater infrastructure, maintaining tide valves and pumping systems and positioning equipment and personnel in vulnerable areas.
Crews work to pump tidal flooding water out of low-lying areas in Newport Beach, California.
(City of Newport Beach - City Hall/Facebook / FOX Weather)
While the city continues to do its part to prepare, it's urging residents to take the following precautions to protect against tidal flooding:
- Protect vulnerable areas and place sandbags or temporary flood barriers around garages, doorways, low seawalls and other areas where water could enter.
- Inspect and protect seawalls. Check seawalls and bulkheads for low sections, cracks, openings or deterioration and make necessary repairs. The city has received authorization from the California Coastal Commission to issue emergency permits for seawall repairs and extensions, with streamlined plans and expedited permitting available. Visit NewportBeachCA.gov/FloodRecovery or call 949-644-3200.
- Protect electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries. Move vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs), golf carts and e-bikes, to higher ground in areas at risk of flooding. Do not operate or charge flood-exposed vehicles or batteries until inspected by a qualified professional. If a battery shows signs of damage, such as discoloration, swelling or smoke, stay away and call 911 immediately. The city said floodwater, especially saltwater, can damage lithium-ion batteries and create a fire risk, even after water recedes.
Sandbags line a fence next to a dock in Newport Beach, California.
(City of Newport Beach - City Hall/Facebook / FOX Weather)
- Consider temporary pumps. Consider purchasing or renting a pump to help manage minor leaks and pump water back into the harbor. The city said to note that pumps cannot manage seawall overtopping or major flooding.
- Avoid flooded streets. Never drive through floodwaters, as vehicle wakes can push water onto nearby properties and worsen flooding.
- Limit boating activity. Reduce boating activity in Newport Harbor during exceptionally high tides, as boat wakes can cause water to overtop seawalls and flood waterfront properties.
SUPER EL NIÑO’S GRIP ON GLOBAL WEATHER: WHAT'S HAPPENED AND WHAT’S AHEAD
City of Newport Beach pumping out King Tide flooding at the end of October.
(City of Newport Beach - City Hall/Facebook / FOX Weather)
Super El Niño continues to cause impacts on both U.S. coasts, and will do so heading into winter 2026–27.
Warm water in the Pacific leads to more flooding along the West Coast, especially in places like Newport Beach.
Above-average water levels combined with unusually high tides can lead to tidal flooding, but also cause beach erosion.