Newport Beach, Orange County Records Its Highest Tide Ever at 8.4 Feet: City Warns Thanksgiving King Tides Could Run 6 to 12 Inches Higher
The City of Newport Beach in Orange County, California, recorded a high tide of 8.4 feet on Tuesday, October 27, the highest in the city's recorded history, with records dating back to the 1920s, City Manager Seimone Jurjis said in the city's October 30 weekly update. Several low-lying areas flooded, but the city said impacts were less severe than they could have been because residents took warnings seriously, placed thousands of sandbags and installed temporary flood barriers alongside city teams.
Over the past week alone, city teams distributed more than 50,000 sandbags, 16,000 of them filled by hand by staff and volunteers, while crews reinforced protective sand berms, operated pumps and monitored water levels around the clock, according to the update.
The city warned that the highest tides may still be ahead. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), another round of King Tides is expected around Thanksgiving, November 23 through 27, with additional King Tides in December and in January. Based on current ocean conditions, water levels could rise another 6 to 12 inches above Tuesday's 8.4-foot record, potentially pushing above 9 feet. The city said warmer ocean water, changes in winds and ocean circulation, and the gravitational pull of the moon and sun are combining to produce the exceptionally high tides.
Residents in low-lying and waterfront areas are asked to keep sandbags and temporary flood barriers in place, continue inspecting seawalls and reinforce vulnerable areas. Free prefilled sandbags are available, while supplies last, at the City Corporation Yard, 592 Superior Ave, and at Marina Park, 1600 W. Balboa Blvd. With rain also expected this weekend, the city reminded everyone to stay off the protective sand berms along the beaches, as walking or climbing on them can weaken the barriers. Updates, sandbag locations and flood preparation resources are posted on the city's El Niño and flood preparation page.
Source: GSM · USA
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：加州橙县Newport Beach港入口及临水住宅区。Don Ramey Logan 摄，Wikimedia Commons，CC BY-SA 4.0。 / The entrance to Newport Harbor and its waterfront homes in Newport Beach, Orange County, California. Photo by Don Ramey Logan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
