Tropical Storm Rachel triggers severe coastal flooding and structural damage in Southern California

Key points

• Waves breached the bulkhead in Long Beach, flooding homes and streets, while the National Weather Service issued a coastal flood advisory for Orange County until Tuesday.
• Newport Beach declared a local emergency as salt water flooded the Balboa Peninsula, with city officials pumping water from streets and rebuilding sand berms.
• Long Beach inspectors red-tagged two buildings as unsafe due to damage from waves that exposed the wooden bulkhead after Hurricane Marie eroded the surrounding sand.
• The National Weather Service forecasts tides reaching 7.5 to 8 feet by Sunday, with additional rain and wind expected through Wednesday.
• Long Beach is considering an $11.4 million dredging project and a $6.8 million rock revetment to address long-term erosion and protect the Peninsula.

Background

Southern California has faced repeated coastal challenges this year. In September, Hurricane Marie caused significant sand erosion along the Long Beach Peninsula, exposing the bulkhead. Earlier in October, Tropical Storm Rachel formed off the coast of Mexico, and a marine heat wave and brewing El Niño have heightened concerns for extreme conditions. The current flooding is part of a broader pattern of severe weather impacts in the region.

How outlets are covering it

The Washington Post highlights the immediate impact of waves breaching the Long Beach bulkhead and the vulnerability of the Peninsula due to prior erosion from Hurricane Marie. The Orange County Register focuses on the extensive street flooding in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, noting the combination of high tides, swells, and a Kelvin wave. LAist emphasizes the structural damage to homes in Long Beach, including red-tagged buildings, and the city's plans for a dredging project. The Long Beach Post provides a deeper analysis of why the Peninsula is particularly vulnerable, citing the breakwater opening and the impact of El Niño on high tides.

Why it matters

The flooding underscores the increasing vulnerability of Southern California's coastal communities to extreme weather events, particularly as El Niño intensifies. The damage to infrastructure and homes highlights the need for long-term solutions, such as dredging and revetments, to protect against future storms. Residents and officials are bracing for continued severe conditions, which could lead to further displacement and economic impact.

What to watch

The National Weather Service expects tides and waves to peak by Sunday, with conditions remaining severe until Wednesday. Long Beach is planning to start an $11.4 million dredging project once the surf subsides, and the city council has approved $30,000 to study a $6.8 million rock revetment. Newport Beach is continuing to pump water from streets and rebuild berms, with additional crews and pumps deployed for the weekend.