California coastline braces for more flooding as communities grapple with damage

‘We didn't expect the swell to hit this early. We've been in the planning stages for the past few weeks, but this hit a little earlier because of Hurricane Rachel,’ an official said

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.

Newport Beach was lined with protective sand barriers on Monday after heavy waves flooded streets along the Balboa Peninsula and triggered a local emergency over the weekend.

A coastal flood warning previously covering Orange County beaches was downgraded to an advisory on Sunday afternoon, remaining in force until 2 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Peak morning high tides of 7 to 7.5 feet are predicted for Monday and Tuesday, with high surf expected to ease slowly over the coming days, meteorologists said.

"Individuals climbing on the sand berms can compromise the berms' structural integrity and reduce their effectiveness in protecting nearby homes and infrastructure from coastal flooding," city officials said.

"Things are looking good. Our berms are staying strong, which is great,” said Newport Beach public information manager Georgia Rios.

The emergency declaration was prompted after higher-than-average swells and elevated sea levels linked to Rachel began spilling across Balboa Peninsula streets on Thursday evening.

City Manager Seimone Jurjis, acting in his capacity as the city's director of emergency services, formally signed the emergency decree on Friday to secure added regional assistance for public and private property protection.

"We didn't expect the swell to hit this early. We've been in the planning stages for the past few weeks, but this hit a little earlier because of Hurricane Rachel. We had already planned to do some sand replenishment at Capo Beach, which we're still planning to do on Tuesday."

Foley noted that her office assisted in securing 10,000 sandbags for the city on Friday morning, followed by an additional 20,000 later in the day, with extra sandbags supplied by nearby Costa Mesa. She also helped coordinate wider county emergency aid over the weekend to assist with water removal efforts.

"At my request based on a request by (the) Newport Utilities director and mayor on Saturday and Sunday, Water Emergency Response of OC sent 20 mutual aide staff to join Newport Beach city pumpers" to manage pumping operations, Foley told CNS. County public works personnel also dispatched bulldozers to push sand and build protective berms along north Newport Beach, roughly half a mile from the river outlet.