Tropical Storm Rachel has prompted the closure of an iconic Southern California beach as coastal flooding threatens communities across Orange County.
With sustained winds reaching 60 mph, the storm led Newport Beach officials to shut all beaches and piers Saturday morning. The move came after overnight flooding, powerful surf and rising ocean levels intensified along the Balboa Peninsula.
‘City Manager Seimone Jurjis, acting in his capacity as the City’s director of emergency services, is signing a declaration of local emergency to aid the City in obtaining additional resources,’ said a City of Newport Beach press release.
Newport Beach crews said they would continue monitoring the shoreline and deploying available resources as conditions evolve.
The popular destination draws visitors to its waterfront path and scenic coastline, which are widely used for recreation and outdoor activities.
‘Whether influenced by maritime roots, surf legends, or eateries often considered among the best restaurants in Newport Beach, each location reflects the stories, people, and moments that define this seaside city,’ the Visit Newport Beach website boasts.
In advance of the storm, Orange County crews reinforced sand berms—raised banks running parallel to the shoreline—and positioned thousands of sandbags along vulnerable areas.
Surf and tidal levels have climbed beyond seven feet in some locations, placing waterfront neighborhoods at continued risk.
Tropical Storm Rachel has forced Newport Beach, an iconic California attraction, to close as widespread flooding threatens communities across Orange County.
The closures followed worsening overnight coastal flooding, high surf and elevated ocean levels along the Balboa Peninsula.
Newport Beach authorities have brought in additional teams, activated as many as 18 pumps and opened a network of 86 tidal valves to clear flooded streets. Officials say the system is designed to keep seawater from flowing back through storm drains.
According to the National Weather Service, a coastal flood warning is in effect through 3 p.m. Sunday, followed by a coastal flood advisory lasting until 2 p.m. Tuesday.
‘Everybody got caught off guard. We didn’t expect the swell to hit this early,’ Orange County Board Vice Chair Katrina Foley told City News Service.
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‘We’ve been in the planning stages for the past few weeks, but this hit a little earlier because of Hurricane Rachel,’ Foley said.
Foley said the severe weather arrived ahead of schedule, forcing officials into an “all hands-on deck” response.
The county has also asked Governor Gavin Newsom’s office for National Guard assistance, according to the Orange County government website.
Forecasters expect ocean swells, onshore winds and wave heights to increase through Sunday morning. With waves potentially surpassing the previous seven-foot levels, dangerous coastal conditions could persist.
The Long Beach area in Los Angeles County and the surf area at San Onofre State Beach have reported similar damage and closures amid the severe coastal conditions.
Before the storm arrived, Orange County crews rebuilt sand berms, raised banks running parallel to the shoreline, and deployed thousands of sandbags.
Long Beach in Los Angeles County and the surf area at San Onofre State Beach have also experienced damage and closures as tides reached as high as seven feet.
According to officials, temporary street closures and parking restrictions may be in place depending on how the storm worsens.
At this time, the city has provided prefilled sandbags at Corporation Yard and empty sandbags at various fire stations for residents to use.
City officials have strongly advised Californians to avoid walking or driving through flooded streets and standing in any large amounts of water.
‘The City of Newport Beach is… urging residents to take precautions to protect their homes and property as potentially hazardous conditions continue throughout the weekend.’
The Daily Mail reached out to Vice Chair Katrina Foley and City Manager Seimone Jurjis for comment.