Newport Beach declares emergency as Kelvin wave and Tropical Storm Rachel trigger record coastal flooding

Key points

• Newport Beach declared a local emergency on October 9 to mobilize resources for coastal flooding on the Balboa Peninsula.
• The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood advisory through Tuesday, with a warning expiring Sunday at 3 p.m.
• Tides are projected to be 1 to 1.5 feet higher than normal, exacerbated by a Kelvin wave and Tropical Storm Rachel.
• City crews are rebuilding sand berms and using 18 pumps to remove standing water from streets near the harbor.
• Long Beach issued evacuation orders for homes on Seaside Walk between 64th and 66th Place due to damaging surf.
• Officials warn that Sunday will likely be the most dangerous day due to higher tides and larger swells.

Background

This event follows a series of coastal emergencies in Southern California earlier in 2026. In September, Dana Point and Long Beach faced significant damage from Hurricane Marie, with multiple homes red-tagged for structural failure. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in late September due to a 'super El Niño' and a massive Kelvin wave that threatened to raise sea levels by up to 12 inches. The current flooding is a direct manifestation of these long-term climate shifts, as the Kelvin wave continues to push water levels higher across the Pacific coast.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News and the Orange County Register emphasize the unprecedented nature of the flooding in Newport Beach, noting that residents and officials described the event as 'unprecedented' due to the combination of Kelvin waves, swells, and high tides. The Register highlights the logistical challenges, noting that 40 to 50 workers are pumping water out of streets and that tidal valves were closed to prevent backflow. NBC Los Angeles focuses on the broader regional impact, specifically detailing the evacuation orders and structural damage in Long Beach, where eight buildings were red-tagged. While CBS and the Register focus on the immediate response in Newport, NBC highlights the severe property damage and safety risks in neighboring cities, illustrating the widespread nature of the coastal crisis.

Why it matters

The flooding underscores the increasing frequency and severity of coastal events in Southern California due to El Niño and Kelvin waves. The declaration of a local emergency in Newport Beach and evacuation orders in Long Beach highlight the vulnerability of low-lying coastal communities. As tides are projected to remain elevated through the weekend, residents face ongoing risks of property damage and infrastructure strain, necessitating continued emergency response efforts and highlighting the need for long-term coastal adaptation strategies.

What to watch

Officials expect the worst flooding to occur on Sunday morning when tides are highest. The city of Newport Beach will continue to monitor ocean conditions and deploy additional resources as needed. Temporary street closures and parking restrictions may be implemented if conditions worsen. Residents are advised to avoid driving through flooded streets and to follow directions from public safety personnel. The National Weather Service will maintain its coastal flood advisory through Tuesday, with updates on tide levels and swell conditions provided regularly.