Tropical Storm Rachel has sent powerful waves into coastal neighbourhoods in Southern California, flooding parts of Newport Beach and damaging beachfront properties in Long Beach as officials prepare for more severe conditions on Sunday.
In Newport Beach, seawater inundated streets and low-lying areas of the Balboa Peninsula, prompting the city to declare a local emergency. Crews have been pumping water from flooded roads, reopening tide valves and rebuilding protective sand berms along the shoreline. ([abc7.com](https://abc7.com/story/newport-beach-closes-beaches-piers-tropical-storm-rachel-fuels-high-tide-floods-streets/19927688/))
The Newport and Balboa piers, along with the Wedge surfing area, were closed on Saturday because of the dangerous conditions. Other beaches were later reopened, although residents were warned to keep away from the sand barriers.
Long Beach has been hit by waves overtopping the bulkhead and reaching homes and streets on the peninsula. Sections of the boardwalk and coastal defences have suffered significant structural damage, while workers have used timber and thousands of sandbags to reinforce vulnerable areas. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-10-10/tropical-storm-rachel-long-beach-evacuation-newport-beach-closures))
An evacuation order remains in place for homes on Seaside Walk between 64th and 66th places. City officials have also restricted access to parts of the peninsula and said eight buildings across 13 addresses had been marked unsafe to enter, with at least one further property subject to restrictions. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-10-10/tropical-storm-rachel-long-beach-evacuation-newport-beach-closures))
Long Beach crews continued constructing sand berms on Saturday as residents collected sandbags to protect homes and businesses. The city has warned that the recovery could extend beyond the weekend as more damage is assessed.
Further flooding expected on Sunday
The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning for the area through Sunday afternoon. Forecasters said the greatest risk would come when Rachel-driven swells, onshore winds and high tides combine, with surf expected to reach up to 9ft on exposed south-facing beaches. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-10-10/tropical-storm-rachel-long-beach-evacuation-newport-beach-closures))
High tide at Newport Beach is forecast to reach about 7.6ft at 9.48am on Sunday, when officials say low-lying homes, businesses and infrastructure could be flooded. The service has described the expected coastal impacts as potentially the most significant of the season so far in vulnerable parts of Los Angeles County. ([latimes.com](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-10-10/tropical-storm-rachel-long-beach-evacuation-newport-beach-closures))
Authorities are urging people to avoid the shoreline and flooded roads while emergency crews continue preparations along the Southern California coast.
