A southbound lane of the Laguna Beach PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) has been closed following the appearance of a massive crack in the coastal cliff below the roadway.
According to KTLA aerial footage, the long fracture along the edge of the cliff was captured near the Crystal Cove State Park lifeguard headquarters.
While the exact timing of the fissure remains unconfirmed, recent high waves, severe coastal erosion from tropical storms, and El Niño conditions are believed to have battered the coastline for months.
Caltrans Closes Lanes and Issues Safety Warnings
Caltrans has closed one southbound lane of the PCH from Irvine Cove to Reef Point Drive to prevent motorists from approaching the damaged area.
Local resident Blair Conklin, who filmed the scene, stated that the cliff right next to the PCH is collapsing and warned that severe erosion could potentially cause a portion of the road to give way toward the ocean.
California State Parks authorities have also temporarily closed parts of Crystal Cove State Park and San Onofre State Beach due to damage from high surf and erosion following tropical storm activity.
El Niño Forecasts Raise Further Concerns
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that the developing El Niño continues to strengthen and is expected to maintain strong to very strong conditions through January–March 2027.
The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) noted that this El Niño event could become one of the most powerful since 1950.
The State of California has already declared a state of emergency to prepare for potential winter storm impacts, while Los Angeles and Orange County authorities are working on mitigation efforts against coastal erosion and flooding.
The City of Laguna Beach has not yet released a specific plan regarding reinforcement measures for the affected cliff section.
