As potentially damaging high tides are expected to arrive in Orange County and other parts of Southern California next week, Newport Beach and neighboring cities are preparing for possible flooding and damage.
The city of Newport Beach announced Thursday that crews are reinforcing protective sand berms and placing sandbags in vulnerable areas as ocean water levels are expected to rise 18 to 22 inches above previous projections.
“Residents in low-lying, waterfront and other potentially flood-prone areas are strongly urged to take precautions now to protect their homes, vehicles and property,” the city warned in a statement. The Balboa Peninsula, islands in Newport Harbor and other waterfront areas are considered particularly at risk, city officials said Monday.
Meanwhile, the anticipated “exceptionally high king tides” are forcing Metrolink to suspend Orange County Line service from Monday, Oct. 26, through Friday, Oct. 30, between Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and Oceanside.
Metrolink officials said the temporary service suspension is intended to prevent disruptions for travelers, as high tides could affect rail operations along the beachfront tracks near San Clemente, leading to delays and cancellations.
In September, high tides and powerful waves overtopped tracks near San Clemente, causing erosion and slope damage that forced a temporary suspension of Metrolink, Amtrak and freight service while crews made emergency repairs.
Orange County Line trains will operate only between Los Angeles Union Station and the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station during the closure.
The upcoming king tides are the first in a series of unusually high tide events expected in October, November, December and into the new year. City officials said El Niño conditions could further contribute to elevated ocean water levels in the coming months.