NEWPORT BEACH, CA — One of Newport Beach's most well-loved surf sites is getting a loving dose of some much-needed sand ahead of King Tides projected later this week.
Sand deliveries are currently underway at the Wedge in Newport Beach, city officials said, leading to temporary beach access closures.
According to the city, roughly 30 to 40 trucks are delivering the sand from an area around Prado Dam in Norco.
The sand will be used to reinforce protective sand berms ahead of next week's projected King Tides.
According to the city, the goal is to deliver around 2,000 cubic yards of sand by the end of the week.
As a result of the sand deliveries, the city has temporarily closed the Wedge to M Street.
In addition to the Wedge getting sand, Newport Beach residents can expect sand deliveries in West Newport later this week.
According to city officials, residents can expect the West Newport Beach Sand Replenishment Project to bring around 100,000 cubic yards of sand from the Santa Ana River mouth to eroded beach areas between 36th and 62nd streets.
Residents and visitors were asked to stay off the berms and keep clear of active work areas.
The update comes after the City of Newport Beach declared a local state of emergency ahead of exceptionally high King Tides expected this month.
The emergency declaration will allow the city to better prepare for a potential tide event and grant access to streamlined resources in the event of an emergency.
In preparation for the return of big waves, city crews are reinforcing protective sand berms on the beaches, preparing pumps and tide valves and positioning resources in flood-prone areas.
Newport Beach residents and businesses in low-lying areas were urged to take advantage of the city's pre-filled sandbag locations.
Residents can find free, prefilled sandbags at the following locations:
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