Parts of Southern California are experiencing coastal flooding as Tropical Storm Rachel approaches the region. Long Beach’s Peninsula has been hit particularly hard, with powerful waves damaging coastal structures, eroding beaches and sending seawater onto streets.
A roughly 30-foot section of the protective seawall and boardwalk was damaged, allowing seawater to spill onto nearby streets and reach homes. Newport Beach has also reported street flooding, with coastal flood advisories warning of further impacts during high tides. Videos circulating online show waves crashing against seawalls and flooding nearby roads. In Long Beach, strong ocean swells combined with high tides have battered the Peninsula. Floodwater reached ankle-deep levels in some areas, while vehicle access was restricted at locations including 62nd Place. City inspectors also marked two buildings containing three residential units as unsafe to enter. Emergency crews have placed sandbags and reinforced protective barriers to limit further damage. Officials have also made additional sandbags available to residents. Authorities are warning that flooding and beach erosion could worsen during high tides, potentially prompting further road closures. Newport Beach and other parts of Orange County are also facing hazardous coastal conditions. Officials have warned of flooding along roads, boardwalks and parking lots, as well as beach erosion and dangerous rip currents.
Waves are expected to reach 3 to 5 feet, with some sets potentially rising to 6 or 7 feet. As of the morning of October 9, Rachel was located hundreds of miles southwest of San Diego and moving northeast. A video shared on social media reportedly shows street flooding near 15th Street and West Balboa Boulevard in Newport Beach. Forecasts indicated that the storm could weaken into a post-tropical system or remnant low as it approached the California coast over the weekend. Coastal communities could continue to face flooding, erosion and hazardous surf even as the system weakens. Residents are advised to follow local weather alerts and avoid flooded roads and dangerous shoreline areas.
