Southern California has been absolutely battered this week. As a result of Southern Hemisphere swells and Tropical Storm Rachel, high tides and powerful waves have thrashed the shoreline. Though Newport has been (justifiably) receiving a lot of the attention, it’s not the only place that’s seeing damage as a result.
Down in nearby Laguna Beach, YouTuber and skimboarder Blair Conklin pointed out a particularly concerning development, resulting from erosion caused by surging seas. “The cliff along El Moro has eroded so much that there’s actually a crack that comes all the way up to about probably ten feet away from the road,” he described. Though the road itself has not been directly affected, the fissure has already caused CalTrans to close one lane of southbound PCH from Irvine Cove to Reef Point Drive.
However, Conklin thinks that the worst is yet to come – especially since we haven’t quite seen the end of the powerful surf. “So, that part of the cliff hasn’t fallen yet, but it’s probably going to fall in the next few days,” he continued. “This whole part of PCH is vulnerable to collapsing. [I’m] surprised there’s no cracks in the road yet, though. Pretty insane.”
