Published November 5, 2026
NEWPORT BEACH | SURF & COAST | NOVEMBER 5, 2026
The peninsula just got through record-breaking flooding. Now Newport Beach is warning that the next round of king tides could push the water even higher.
In a November 4 warning, the city said exceptionally high tides are expected November 23–27 and December 22–26, with additional events into the new year. Ocean levels could rise 12 inches or more above October’s record 8.4-foot tide.
That’s a possibility, not a guarantee that every street will flood. But it’s enough to put the peninsula, Balboa Island and low-lying harbor neighborhoods back on alert. The city says even properties that stayed dry in October could be at risk.
Crews are reinforcing sand berms, checking drainage infrastructure and tide valves, maintaining pumps and positioning emergency equipment. Waterfront owners are being told to inspect seawalls. One low or damaged section can let water reach neighboring properties.
The warning also includes saltwater damage to e-bike, golf-cart and electric-vehicle batteries, which can pose a fire risk after flooding recedes.
Prefilled sandbags are available at 592 Superior Avenue while supplies last, according to the city. Empty bags are offered at city fire stations and Lifeguard Headquarters.
City Council has scheduled a flood-preparation study session for November 10 at 4 p.m. That’s where the bigger questions begin.
Which vulnerable streets can the city protect? What’s the permanent plan for the Fun Zone and harborfront? What will it cost, and who pays?
For now, residents are still being asked to prepare their properties individually. The next high-tide test is approaching. City Hall has less than three weeks to show what’s changed since the last one.
Sources: City of Newport Beach warning, Nov. 4
This story is checked every 3 days for its first 30 days. When there’s news, we add a dated update here. How we keep stories current →
Help us out, Newport.
Read next
Surf & CoastThe Wedge Before Instagram: When Getting Barreled Didn’t Require a CameramanBefore Instagram, TikTok and GoPros, Newport Beach already had one of the most famous waves on the planet. The Wedge. And back then, getting famous meant catching a monster, surviving…Read story →Suggestion 1 of 5
Surf & CoastWhat’s Going Up at 10th Street Beach? Locals See Seawall Work, City Records Are ThinCrews are working beside the seawall at 10th Street Beach after Bay Street flooding. Here’s what the video shows—and what city records don’t yet explain.Read story →Suggestion 2 of 5
Surf & CoastFlashback: SURFER Magazine’s “The Hottest 100 Yards” — Newport, March 1980Back in March 1980, SURFER put Newport’s Echo Beach on the cover—and gave a short stretch of local sand a name that stuck: “The Hottest 100 Yards.” The cover featured…Read story →Suggestion 3 of 5
Around NewportNewport Beach’s Elizabeth Lyn Vargas: From Television Personality to Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Community AdvocateAn established Newport Beach personality and familiar face from Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Orange County, Elizabeth Lyn Vargas is combining her passion for community, technology, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship to…Read story →Suggestion 4 of 5
City Hall WatchNewport’s City Council Has a Lot of Friends With Checkbooks. Here’s the Money Trail.The Balboa Local follows Newport's 2026 council election money through developer committees, the county party, police and firefighters PACs, and Alliance for Prosperity.Read story →Suggestion 5 of 5