Full Breakdown
Tropical Storm Rachel Triggers Coastal Flooding and Evacuations Across Southern California
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Core Event: Storm-Driven Flooding, Beach Closures and Evacuations (Oct 10, 2026)
On Saturday, Oct 10, 2026, Tropical Storm Rachel approached the U.S.–Mexico border, bringing high tides, strong surf and rain to the Southern California coast. Newport Beach closed all city beaches and piers and declared a local emergency after floodwaters inundated the Balboa Peninsula. Long Beach issued a mandatory evacuation for homes on Seaside Walk between 64th and 66th Place, citing red-tagged structures and shoreline damage. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a coastal flood warning for Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego counties through 3 p.m. Sunday and a high-surf advisory with waves of 4 to 7 feet expected.
Background & Context: Unusual Storm Behavior and El Niño
Meteorologists noted that Rachel maintained tropical-storm strength farther north than typical Pacific storms because record-warm ocean temperatures—linked to a strong El Niño and a Kelvin wave—raised sea levels by 1 to 1.5 feet above predictions. The combination of elevated tides, onshore winds and swell created severe flooding conditions, according to local officials.
Data & Statistics
- Sandbag distribution: 7,600 sandbags handed out for the surge, total across three recent storms roughly 15,000 (city officials).
- Tide heights: High tides of 7.3–7.5 feet forecast, exceeding normal levels by 1–1.5 feet.
- Rainfall forecasts: NWS projected 0.3–0.5 in for Los Angeles County, 0.5–1 in for Orange County, up to 2 in in the Inland Empire mountains, and 1–2 in San Diego County’s coastal areas.
- Structural impacts: Long Beach reported five damaged structures, eight red-tagged and one yellow-tagged; Newport Beach noted extensive boardwalk damage and sand-berm erosion.
- Wind gusts: Forecast gusts 25–45 mph along the coast, with 50–70 mph possible on mountain ridges.
Official Statements & Responses
- Mayor Rex Richardson (Long Beach): Called the storm’s impacts “unprecedented for our community” and urged residents to stay off the Peninsula.
- City Manager Seimone Jurjis (Newport Beach): Said crews were rebuilding sand berms, operating pumps and opening tide valves, while requesting mutual-aid resources.
- Fire Chief Dennis Buchanan (Long Beach): Confirmed distribution of over 10,000 sandbags and advised residents to prepare “go bags” in case of additional evacuations.
On-the-Ground Reports
Long Beach resident Brian Gerrard described the scene as “bad” and “once-in-a-lifetime,” noting many homes were red-tagged and sandbags were being moved onto properties. Newport Beach resident Joe Angelo, a 60-year resident, said the flooding left him “in shock and disbelief,” noting the beach had not seen water in 27 years. Long Beach resident Jim Gesner reported city crews pumping seawater back toward Alamitos Bay while neighbors documented the flooding on their phones.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Rainfall estimates vary: some forecasts cite up to 2 in for San Diego County’s coastal zones, others a maximum of 1 in. Surf height predictions range from 5–9 feet (some outlets) to 4–7 feet (NWS), reflecting differing model outputs and the storm’s uncertain track.
What’s Next
The NWS has extended the coastal flood warning through Sunday, Oct 11, and will reassess conditions on Monday. Additional sandbag distribution sites remain open at fire stations and municipal yards. Officials will continue monitoring evacuation orders and beach closures as Rachel’s moisture interacts with an approaching low-pressure system.