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Tropical Storm Rachel is bringing a growing coastal threat to Southern California, with unusually high tides flooding streets from Orange County to Malibu even as the storm remains hundreds of miles offshore.

In Newport Beach, the rising water had already turned sections of the Balboa Peninsula into temporary waterways by Friday morning. Streets were submerged, vehicles pushed through standing water and paddleboarders glided through neighborhood roads as residents confronted an unexpected surge along the coast.

The flooding offered an early warning of what could lie ahead as Rachel’s effects intensify and officials prepare for potentially more dangerous conditions over the weekend.

Newport Beach Faces Widespread Street Flooding

Several streets across Newport Beach were underwater Friday, with the Balboa Peninsula among the hardest-hit areas.

The city’s utilities director estimated that flooding extended across roughly 15 to 20 blocks. Officials had not yet produced an estimate of possible damage to homes.

Mark Vukojevic, Newport Beach’s utilities director, said the morning tide rose substantially above the predicted level.

“This morning's tide came in 20 inches higher than the actual predicted tide value,” Vukojevic said. “It's significant. We've seen it be 12 inches higher, but this is, you know, kind of record-breaking for us.”

Footage captured by AIR7 showed water covering multiple streets, with some residents using paddleboards to navigate the flooded neighborhood.

Eyewitness News also observed vehicles driving through high water near Balboa Boulevard and 18th Street, illustrating how quickly coastal flooding had disrupted normal movement through the peninsula.

City Warns Drivers to Avoid Balboa Peninsula

In response to the rising water, Newport Beach officials issued an emergency alert urging motorists to stay away from the Balboa Peninsula because of street flooding and elevated tides.

Despite the disruption, some residents said they were trying to maintain their usual routines. Others were struck by the unusual combination of dangerous water levels and favorable surfing conditions.

“The surf is amazing right now. All the surfers are loving it. This is a great day for surfers,” one resident told Eyewitness News.

The same resident described the situation as overwhelming, pointing to the high tide and strong currents along the beach. After living in Newport Beach for 50 years, the resident said the current high-tide event was unlike anything previously experienced.

Tropical Storm Rachel Raises Weekend Concerns

Although Rachel remained hundreds of miles away, the coastal impacts were already apparent. Residents and officials were preparing for the possibility of more severe conditions as the storm’s influence continued into the weekend.

A Coastal Flooding Advisory was in effect for the entire Southern California coastline through Tuesday afternoon.

Sunday was identified as the period of greatest concern, when high tides could coincide with powerful ocean swells and rip currents. The combination could increase hazards for beachgoers, coastal residents and people traveling near affected shorelines.

The unfolding conditions highlight the risks posed by elevated tides and powerful surf even before a storm approaches land. Streets can become impassable, and familiar coastal neighborhoods can quickly turn into areas requiring emergency precautions.

Crews Work to Drain Streets and Reinforce Beaches

City crews were working near 21st Street and Balboa Boulevard to clear affected roadways and remove standing water. Workers opened all tide valves to allow the flooded streets to drain naturally.

As Newport Beach prepared for potentially worsening conditions, emergency crews were also adding extra sand reinforcement along the beach.

Officials encouraged residents and business owners to obtain sandbags as a precaution against additional flooding.

With the Coastal Flooding Advisory continuing into next week, Newport Beach faces several more days of uncertainty. The immediate priority remains clearing flooded streets, protecting vulnerable areas and helping residents prepare for the possibility that Rachel’s coastal effects could become more severe before conditions improve.