Newport Beach has shut down all beaches and piers as powerful waves continue flooding the coastline \u2014 with crews scrambling to plug gaps in battered sand berms ahead of another dangerous high tide.<\/p>\n
The closures took effect Saturday as seawater continued pouring into the coastal city, with officials warning that conditions were getting worse.<\/p>\n
Floodwaters cover streets on the Balboa Peninsula as elevated tides and coastal conditions associated with Tropical Storm Rachel cause flooding in Newport Beach, Calif., Friday, Oct. 9, 2026. Pedro Colo for CA Post<\/p>\n
People gather at the Wedge as they prepare for an incoming storm in Newport Beach, California, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. Jon Putman for CA Post<\/p>\n
People gather at the Wedge as they prepare for an incoming storm in Newport Beach, California, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. Jon Putman for CA Post<\/p>\n
\u201cDue to ongoing flooding, all city beaches and piers are closed until further notice,\u201d the city announced, urging the public to steer clear of the affected areas.<\/p>\n
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\u201cFlooding and hazardous conditions pose serious safety risks,\u201d officials warned, telling residents to follow closure orders and give emergency crews room to work.<\/p>\n
Crews were still working Saturday morning to fill gaps in protective sand berms, raising fears of another round of flooding.<\/p>\n
Newport Beach declared a local emergency Friday as Tropical Storm Rachel churned toward Southern California, sending seawater rushing across the Balboa Peninsula and threatening waterfront homes, streets and businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re planning for the worst,\u201d Newport Beach City Manager Seimone Jurjis said during a Friday night press conference, as officials detailed efforts to reinforce the coastline.<\/p>\n
Mayor Lauren Kleiman, joined by police and fire officials, urged residents to prepare rather than wait for floodwaters to arrive.<\/p>\n
People prepare for an incoming storm at the Wedge in Newport Beach, California, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. Jon Putman for CA Post<\/p>\n
People prepare for an incoming storm at the Wedge in Newport Beach, California, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. Jon Putman for CA Post<\/p>\n
People gather at the Wedge in Newport Beach, California, on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, as the area prepares for an incoming storm. Jon Putman for CA Post<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve worked all summer to prepare for this,\u201d Kleiman said.<\/p>\n
The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning for Orange County beaches through 3 p.m. Sunday, cautioning that elevated ocean levels, strong onshore winds and building swells could cause significant flooding and beach erosion.<\/p>\n
The most dangerous conditions are expected around high tide, when tides exceeding 7 feet could combine with powerful surf to inundate low-lying neighborhoods, roads and businesses. Waves are forecast to reach 5 to 7 feet, with sets as high as 9 feet possible.<\/p>\n
Newport Beach has deployed crews to rebuild sand berms, operate pumps and open tidal valves to drain flooded streets.<\/p>\n
Officials are urging residents to move vehicles to higher ground, protect properties with sandbags and never drive around barricades or attempt to cross flooded roads.<\/p>\n
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