All beaches and piers in Newport Beach, California, were closed Sunday after flooding from Tropical Storm Rachel and high tides overwhelmed coastal areas, officials confirmed. The City of Newport Beach declared a local emergency on Saturday, citing unusually high ocean water levels and ongoing hazardous conditions.
The closures followed days of flooding along Southern California’s coast, driven by the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel and a separate storm system over the Western U.S. The combination of large ocean swells, prolonged swells from an El Niño-enhanced Kelvin wave, and high tides produced major flooding in multiple communities, with Newport Beach among the hardest-hit areas. Floodwaters submerged Balboa Boulevard and adjacent streets since Friday, prompting the emergency declaration.
Officials warn flooding and hazardous conditions will persist. The National Weather Service issued a coastal flood warning for Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties through Sunday, with the highest tides expected at 9:43 a.m. in La Jolla and 9:48 a.m. in Newport Beach. The City of Newport Beach advised residents to avoid affected areas, noting that flooding and rough surf pose serious safety risks.
Scientists and researchers highlighted the unprecedented nature of the flooding, linking it to a combination of high tides, El Niño-fueled waves, and a record-hot ocean. Jonathan Warrick, a research geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, described the event as “unprecedented” and a potential indicator of future challenges amid a “super” El Niño winter. Warrick warned that similar events could become more frequent with continued sea level rise.
The storm’s remnants, now post-tropical, moved ashore in northern Baja California late Saturday but continued to fuel flash flood threats and rough surf across the Southwest through Monday. Emergency crews are working to protect homes, property, and public safety, while coastal communities brace for further impacts as the storm system lingers.