Trucks are hauling 2,000 cubic yards of sand to The Wedge as Newport Beach builds protective berms before king tides hit Oct. 26-28.

City officials said 30 to 40 trucks are delivering sand from the Prado Dam area in Norco, Patch reported. The beach is temporarily closed from The Wedge to M Street while crews work.

The city aims to finish the deliveries by the end of the week. Residents and visitors should stay off the berms and clear of active work areas.

The sand operation is part of the city's broader emergency response after the City Council declared a local emergency, as we reported Oct. 21. The council also approved a contract for the larger West Newport Beach Sand Replenishment Project, which will move about 100,000 cubic yards of sand from the Santa Ana River mouth to eroded beach areas between 36th and 62nd streets.

The city activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate efforts across departments, according to a city press release.

Recent ocean water levels have run 18 to 22 inches above predicted astronomical tides, the city said. If those conditions hold during the king tides, water levels could climb significantly higher than forecast. That raises flood risk along the Balboa Peninsula, Newport Harbor islands and other low-lying waterfront areas. El Niño conditions could push levels even higher in the months ahead.

These are the first in a series of unusually high tide events the city expects through December and into the new year.

How residents can prepare

The city urged waterfront property owners and residents in flood-prone areas to act now, including:

  • Placing sandbags or temporary flood barriers along seawalls, garages, doorways and other low-lying openings
  • Clearing debris from private drains, gutters and drainage areas
  • Relocating vehicles away from flood-prone streets and parking areas
  • Avoiding walking or driving through flooded streets

The city warned that its flood-protection measures cannot eliminate all potential impacts. Street closures and parking restrictions may be added as conditions change.

Where to get free sandbags

The city is providing free prefilled sandbags at three locations:

  • Corporation Yard, 592 Superior Ave.
  • Marina Park, 1600 W. Balboa Blvd.
  • Temporary Fire Station No. 1, East Ocean Front Parking Lot near Balboa Pier

Empty sandbags are available at Lifeguard Headquarters and any Newport Beach fire station. Supplies are limited.

Residents can find preparedness information at NewportBeachCA.gov/ElNino and sign up for emergency alerts at NBPD.org.