A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect for the San Diego and Orange County coasts until 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 13. The National Weather Service says the highest tides are expected around 10–11 a.m. Monday and Tuesday, with localized flooding possible on beach parking lots, parks and low-lying roads.

What the advisory covers

The National Weather Service San Diego office updated the advisory at 1:16 a.m. PDT Monday. It covers coastal areas of San Diego and Orange counties through 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Morning high tides of 6.5 to 7 feet are expected to combine with 3- to 6-foot surf. The likely result is minor coastal flooding, particularly at vulnerable low spots. Isolated road closures are possible.

The tropical storm watch is no longer in effect. Rachel lost its tropical characteristics, and the National Hurricane Center issued its final advisory on the system Sunday. The remaining risk comes from high tides, lingering swell and already stressed shoreline infrastructure.

When flooding is most likely

NWS says the highest high tides should occur between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on both Monday and Tuesday. That is when beach parking lots, harbor walkways, coastal parks and low-lying streets are most likely to take on water.

A Coastal Flood Advisory is less severe than the Coastal Flood Warning that covered the peak of the storm. It does not mean the entire coastline will flood. It does mean drivers and pedestrians can encounter hazardous water in the most exposed areas.

What drivers and beach visitors should do

  • Never drive around a barricade. A closed lane or parking lot may conceal damaged pavement or deeper water.
  • Do not enter water of unknown depth. Saltwater can hide curbs, potholes and washouts.
  • Allow extra travel time. Short coastal closures can create delays on nearby streets.
  • Protect flood-prone property. Move vehicles and unsecured items away from areas that regularly take on tidal water.
  • Check conditions immediately before leaving. Use NWS alerts for hazards and Caltrans QuickMap for state highway closures.

Visitors should also verify individual park conditions. High surf and erosion already caused partial closures and infrastructure damage at Crystal Cove and San Onofre. Those facility-level restrictions are separate from the regional weather advisory and may last longer.

Why the risk continues after Rachel

The National Hurricane Center reported early Sunday that Rachel had become post-tropical and that tropical watches had been discontinued. NWS nevertheless warned that south swell, other wave energy and unusually high tides would continue to affect the Southern California coast after the core of the system moved away.

That distinction matters: the tropical threat has eased, but the shoreline can remain hazardous. Residents can use this event as a reminder to review California’s broader winter flood-preparation guidance, including local alerts, evacuation routes and property protection.

At a glance

Area: San Diego County and Orange County coastal zones.

Expires: 2 p.m. PDT Tuesday, October 13, unless NWS changes the advisory.

Highest-risk window: Around 10–11 a.m. Monday and Tuesday.

Expected impacts: Minor flooding of parking lots, parks and roads, with isolated closures possible.

Primary source: NWS San Diego Coastal Flood Advisory, updated October 12, 2026. See also the National Hurricane Center’s final Rachel advisory.

Featured image: High-surf damage at Crystal Cove State Park in October 2026. Credit: California State Parks.

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