Shocking Newport Beach Flooding Hits Historic 8.4 Feet

Image Source: Orange County Register

Newport Beach flooding reached historic levels Tuesday as seawater poured into streets, homes, businesses and public areas across the coastal community. The extreme high tide pushed water levels to 8.4 feet, the highest level recorded in Newport Beach since the 1920s, according to city spokesperson Georgia Rios.

The flooding was part of a broader stretch of unusually high tides affecting Southern California. Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Long Beach and other coastal communities responded with sandbags, pumps, temporary berms and road closures as residents worked to protect their properties.

Historic Newport Beach Flooding Swallows Streets and Landmarks

Tuesday morning’s high tide peaked at approximately 9:45 a.m. A yellow tidal gauge in Newport Harbor showed the water reaching 8 feet by 9 a.m., well above the normal forecast of 6.6 feet.

Water flooded West Bay Avenue and 8th Street near the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, where crews and residents used sandbags to reinforce seawalls. Pumps worked to move standing water back into the harbor, but rising seawater still reached nearby properties.

The well-known “Pirate House” at 35th Street and Marcus Avenue also suffered flooding throughout its ground floor. The private home, recognized for its large collection of pirate-themed decorations, drew concerned neighbors and curious visitors. Fire crews helped unload sandbags at the property.

Nearby streets, including portions of 36th Street and Marcus Avenue, were covered in water several inches deep. The Newport Harbor Yacht Club’s boatyard was also inundated, while other areas remained dry after city crews added extra barriers overnight.

Powerful Preparations Helped Limit More Damage

Newport Beach officials said preparation made a difference after flooding affected several areas Monday. Workers placed additional sandbags, operated pumps and monitored vulnerable locations throughout the night and early Tuesday.

The Newport Fun Zone remained dry after more sandbags were installed. However, resident Emmett Comrecode said seawater still entered the ground floor of his property despite his efforts to reinforce the wall facing the harbor.

“You can’t stop the tides,” Comrecode said, adding that his pump could not keep up with the unusually high water.

Newport Beach Utilities Director Mark Vukojevic said water levels were measuring roughly 20 inches higher than tidal forecasts. He described the difference as highly unusual and said the extra water was creating weak points along seawalls and other coastal defenses.

Road Closures and Parking Changes Announced

The city temporarily closed the waterway beneath the Newport Boulevard Bridge as a precaution against boat wakes that could have worsened flooding near surrounding properties. Officials expected the closure to return Wednesday morning.

Parking enforcement was also suspended through 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 28. The change allowed residents to move vehicles to higher ground or relocate them to public parking lots.

Pacific Coast Highway faced closures farther north in Huntington Beach, where seawater covered sections of the roadway. Huntington Beach officials said PCH would close again Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. between Warner Avenue and Anderson Street.

Coastal Communities Brace for More High Tides

Newport Beach was not the only community affected. In Long Beach, high water reached Bayshore Beach, Naples Island and the Marine Stadium area. Cracks in the seawall along the Rivo Alto Canal allowed water to spill onto sidewalks, prompting residents to use portable sump pumps.

Residents in Huntington Harbour also reported flooded streets and driveways. Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach saw knee-high water near 11th Street, while several family-owned businesses used sandbags to keep seawater from entering their buildings.

Officials and residents remain concerned about future king tides, winter storms and a possible rain event around Halloween. Long Beach resident Michelle Shea said the current flooding could signal what coastal neighborhoods may face in November and December.

Although San Clemente, Laguna Beach and Dana Point reported fewer immediate problems Tuesday, officials continued monitoring coastal erosion, seawalls and low-lying areas. Dana Point Mayor John Gabbard said Baby Beach was flooded to the seawall and expressed concern about how future rain could combine with already elevated ocean levels.

What Newport Beach Residents Should Know

• Parking enforcement is suspended in Newport Beach through 6 p.m. Wednesday.
• The Newport Boulevard Bridge waterway may close again during the morning high tide.
• Residents in low-lying areas should monitor city announcements and move vehicles to higher ground.
• Sandbags, pumps and temporary barriers can help reduce property damage, but they may not stop water during record tides.

The Orange County Register reported that advisories were expected to continue through Thursday. Residents should remain alert, avoid driving through flooded streets and follow instructions from local emergency officials.

Frequently Asked Questions About Newport Beach Flooding

How high did the water reach in Newport Beach?

The tide reached a record 8.4 feet in Newport Beach, the highest level reported there since the 1920s.

Which Newport Beach areas were flooded?

Flooding affected West Bay Avenue, 8th Street, portions of 36th Street and Marcus Avenue, the Newport Harbor Yacht Club and the ground floor of the Pirate House.

Why was the Newport Boulevard Bridge waterway closed?

The waterway was closed as a precaution to prevent boat wakes from worsening flooding near nearby homes and properties.

Will more flooding occur?

Additional high tides were expected through Thursday, while future king tides and potential winter storms could create further coastal flooding risks.