Tropical Storm Rachel Forces Closure of Iconic California Beach

Tropical Storm Rachel has prompted the closure of an iconic California beach as coastal flooding threatens communities across Orange County.

Newport Beach shut all beaches and piers on Saturday morning after Rachel brought sustained winds of up to 60 mph. Conditions deteriorated overnight along the Balboa Peninsula, where coastal flooding, powerful surf and unusually high ocean levels continued to intensify.

‘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 officials said crews would keep monitoring the shoreline and use all available resources as the storm and flooding conditions evolve.

The popular Southern California destination is known for its waterfront path, sweeping coastal views and outdoor attractions that draw residents and visitors throughout the year.

‘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.

Before the storm arrived, Orange County crews reinforced sand berms—raised banks running parallel to the coast—and placed thousands of sandbags along vulnerable areas.

Surf and tide levels have climbed beyond seven feet in some locations, increasing the danger for waterfront neighborhoods and coastal infrastructure.

Newport Beach authorities have brought in additional crews and activated as many as 18 pumps, along with 86 tidal valves, to clear flooded roads. The network is designed to limit seawater flowing back through the storm-drain system.

According to the National Weather Service, a coastal flood warning will remain in effect until 3 p.m. Sunday, followed by a coastal flood advisory through 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.

‘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 reached the county ahead of schedule, forcing officials into an ‘all hands-on deck’ response.

County officials have also asked Governor Gavin Newsom’s office for assistance from the National Guard, according to the Orange County government website.

Forecasters expect ocean swells, onshore winds and wave heights to increase into Sunday morning, surpassing the already dangerous seven-foot tide levels. Together, those conditions could prolong the threat along the coast.

The Long Beach area in Los Angeles County and Surf at San Onofre State Beach have also reported similar damage and closures amid the severe coastal weather.

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.’

Our News Outlet reached out to Vice Chair Katrina Foley and City Manager Seimone Jurjis for comment.