Rachel’s Remnants Spare Newport Beach Worst-Case Flooding as Sunday Tide Falls Short

Newport Beach narrowly avoided the major coastal flooding officials feared from Post-Tropical Storm Rachel when Sunday’s high tide came in lower than forecast and the city’s massive sand berms held. Streets on the Balboa Peninsula had already been inundated Friday after tides ran far above predictions, prompting a local emergency, pier closures, and round-the-clock berm and pump operations. The episode covers the latest street-level impacts, what held the water back this morning, and what residents should still expect through Tuesday’s remaining elevated tides.