Long Beach has stepped up its coastal emergency response as Tropical Storm Rachel threatens Southern California, with waves already damaging homes, breaching seawalls and flooding roads along the peninsula.
Eight structures spanning 13 addresses have been declared unsafe to enter, while crews are using a crane at 65th Place to lower 3,000lb sandbags against a failing bulkhead. Public works teams have also tripled portable pumping capacity to limit further water intrusion.
The National Weather Service said the most serious conditions were expected around Sunday morning’s high tide, when water levels could reach about eight feet. High surf of between five and eight feet, onshore winds and rainfall are expected to combine to produce significant flooding on vulnerable south-facing beaches, including the Alamitos Peninsula and Naples area of Long Beach. ([forecast.weather.gov](https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=LOX&wwa=coastal+flood+advisory))
The warning agency said the expected flooding could be among the most significant seen in Los Angeles County so far this season. It urged people to stay away from beaches, coastal walkways and flooded roads, warning of dangerous rip currents and waves capable of sweeping people from rocks and structures. ([forecast.weather.gov](https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=LOX&wwa=coastal+flood+advisory))
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson described the damage as unprecedented for the community, saying hundreds of employees and volunteers had been working around the clock to protect the shoreline.
The storm itself is forecast to track well south of Los Angeles County. However, Tropical Storm Rachel is drawing moisture and generating a powerful southerly swell towards the coast, while a separate low-pressure system is expected to bring further rain and cooler conditions.
The National Weather Service said Rachel was about 490 miles south-south-west of San Diego late on Saturday, with maximum sustained winds of 60mph. The storm was moving north-east at about 22mph and was expected to weaken after moving inland over Baja California, although its swell and associated weather were forecast to continue affecting Southern California. ([forecast.weather.gov](https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?format=CI&glossary=1&issuedby=EP3&product=TCP&site=ERH&version=2))
Newport Beach declares local emergency
In Orange County, Newport Beach declared a local emergency after overnight flooding linked to high surf and elevated ocean levels. Streets on the Balboa Peninsula were inundated, prompting the closure of the Newport Pier, Balboa Pier and the Wedge.
City crews have been rebuilding beach berms, monitoring water levels, opening tide valves and operating pumps. Officials said temporary street closures and parking restrictions could be introduced as conditions change. ([newportbeachca.gov](https://newportbeachca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/44930/))
A coastal flood warning remains in force until 3pm on Sunday, followed by a coastal flood advisory until 2pm on Tuesday. A high surf advisory is scheduled to run from 6am to 10pm on Sunday, with further coastal flooding and dangerous surf possible into early next week. ([forecast.weather.gov](https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=LOX&wwa=coastal+flood+advisory))
Long Beach officials have urged residents to avoid the peninsula so emergency workers can operate safely, clear local drainage points and avoid driving through floodwater or around barricades. Permanent boardwalk repairs are expected to begin early next week, with a larger dredging project planned for the week beginning October 19.
