NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — October 27, 2026. Exceptionally high tides again pushed seawater into low-lying parts of Balboa Peninsula and Newport Harbor, threatening homes, storefronts, roads and walkways. The City of Newport Beach issued an October 27 alert for an expected 8.5-foot high tide around 9:50 a.m. and temporarily restricted water traffic beneath the Newport Boulevard Bridge from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m..
The bridge-channel closure was a precaution to reduce boat wakes that could worsen flooding of nearby properties. It was not a general ban on all boating in Newport Harbor. City alerts urged harbor users to minimize wakes and pay attention to flood-prone shoreline properties.
Which areas were affected?
Local coverage on October 27 showed flooding on the Balboa Peninsula and near parts of the harbor, with crews pumping water and residents protecting buildings. The city had already reported Monday’s tide reaching 8.3 feet, and had been reinforcing sand berms, running pumps and distributing sandbags.
Where to get sandbags or park safely
The city’s official notice says free prefilled sandbags were available while supplies lasted from the City Corporation Yard, 592 Superior Avenue. To help people relocate vehicles away from flood-prone streets, the city said parking enforcement would be suspended through Wednesday, October 28, at 6 p.m., subject to applicable restrictions. Residents should check the current city notice before interpreting that suspension as permission to park anywhere.
Do not walk on protective sand berms; foot traffic can damage emergency defenses. Move vehicles to higher legal parking where possible, unplug electrical devices in affected areas when safe to do so and avoid driving through saltwater.
NWS issued a Coastal Flood Warning for Orange County coastal areas through 1 p.m. Thursday, October 29. A warning denotes higher anticipated impacts than the advisory issued to some other California coastal locations.
Sources: City of Newport Beach official alerts dated October 25–27; Newport Beach emergency declaration and flood-preparation information; NWS San Diego coastal flood warning, October 27; Los Angeles Times, October 27 reported impacts.
The tide value is from the city’s expected peak; it should not be represented as the water depth on every flooded street.
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