Tropical storm Rachel forces iconic California beach to close as severe flooding threatens millions

DAILYMAIL.COM • 1h ago

By ADRIANA TARDUGNO 00:53 11 Oct 2026, updated 01:02 11 Oct 2026

A tropical storm has forced an iconic California beach to close down as widespread flooding has threatened millions of residents in Orange County.

Tropical Storm Rachel developed with sustained winds up to 60 mph and has prompted Newport Beach to close all of its beaches and piers Saturday morning. The decision was implemented as overnight coastal flooding, high surf and elevated ocean water levels worsened 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.

City personnel stated they will continue to assess coastal conditions and deploy available resources in response to the changing circumstances.

The iconic beach is known for its waterfront path and scenic coastline, where California residents frequently visit for 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.

Ahead of the storm, Orange County crews rebuilt sand berms, a high bank of land parallel to the shoreline and deployed thousands of sandbags in preparation.

The high surf and tides in the area have exceeded seven feet while they continue to threaten the waterfront communities.

Additional teams deployed by Newport Beach authorities have activated up to 18 pumps and a network of 86 tidal valves to drain flooded streets. The system is expected to prevent ocean water from backing up the storm drains.

According to the National Weather Service, a coastal flood warning has been issued up until 3pm on Sunday. A coastal flood advisory will remain in place until 2pm on Tuesday.

‘Everybody got caught off guard. We didn’t expect the swell to hit this early,’ said Orange County Board Vice Chair Katrina Foley to 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.

She noted that the extreme weather conditions arrived sooner than officials anticipated, and that their approach has been ‘all hands-on deck.’

Their team has since appealed to Governor Gavin Newsom’s office for National Guard Assistance, according to the Orange County government website.

Leading up to Sunday morning, weather forecasters expect an increase in ocean swells, strong onshore winds, and higher waves than the previous seven feet tides. The combination could continue producing dangerous coastal conditions.

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.

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