PCH South of Laguna Beach Appears Ready to Fall into Pacific After Tropical Storm Rachel Erodes Cliffs

ORANGE COUNTY, 10.12.2026. — Southbound Pacific Coast Highway has been reduced to one lane in northern Laguna Beach as emergency work addresses coastal erosion linked to high surf and elevated tides from Tropical Storm Rachel, according to traffic monitoring data. The restriction runs from Irvine Cove to Reef Point Drive, an area adjacent to Crystal Cove State Park at the northern edge of Laguna Beach and between Corona del Mar and central Laguna Beach.

California State Parks announced on October 9 that portions of Crystal Cove State Park’s Historic District beach were temporarily closed due to significant coastal erosion and damage to infrastructure, roads, and utilities. As a precaution, occupants of 26 historic beachfront cottages were evacuated, with reservations canceled through at least October 13. Staff are assessing damage and installing temporary sand-filled barriers to reduce further wave impacts. Orange Coast District Superintendent Scott Kibbey stated that the priority is public safety while protecting park infrastructure and historic resources, with conditions expected to be monitored as large surf continued through the weekend of October 11–12.

Section of Pacific Coast Highway Near Northern Laguna Beach Reduced to One Lane as Erosion Threatens Roadway After Tropical Storm Rachel

Citizen video footage shared on X on October 13 shows waves undercutting cliffs immediately adjacent to the highway, aerial views of the narrow coastal strip, and visible cracks in the bluff near the roadway. A separate video posted the same day documented a crack on the sea cliff under PCH in the Laguna Beach area and noted the southbound lane restriction implemented on October 12. These visuals align with reports of accelerated erosion from the combination of Rachel’s remnants, high tides, and existing coastal vulnerability.

Tropical Storm Rachel, which weakened after impacting the region around October 11, produced damaging high surf and elevated water levels along the Southern California coast. Effects included structural damage and red-tagging of homes on the Long Beach Peninsula, beach and facility closures at Crystal Cove and San Onofre State Beach, and broader concerns about ongoing coastal erosion ahead of a strong El Niño winter forecast. Officials have urged the public to avoid closed areas, follow posted signage, and check real-time conditions via Caltrans QuickMap.

Motorists are advised to expect delays in the affected stretch of State Route 1 and consider alternate routes. State Parks continues to evaluate reopening timelines for Crystal Cove facilities based on further assessments and ocean conditions.