Powerful Hurricane Swells Expose Decades-Old Infrastructure at Newport Beach's The Wedge
Recent powerful hurricane-driven swells have caused significant sand erosion along the Newport Beach coastline, particularly near the west jetty at the popular surfing spot known as The Wedge. This erosion has uncovered long-buried infrastructure, including piles of rocks, concrete chunks, rusted metal rods, PVC pipes, wires, and railway ties, which have not been visible for decades. Newport Beach Lifeguard Battalion Chief Adam Yacenda confirmed awareness of the exposed relics. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed jetties in the area decades ago to prevent beach erosion and protect oceanfront homes near the entrance of Newport Harbor. The current storm swells are occurring amidst a growing El Niño climate pattern, characterized by warming ocean waters and increased rainfall. At least three hurricanes, including Fausto and Genevieve, have developed in the central and eastern Pacific since July, generating life-threatening waves and high surf warnings for Southern California. This event follows a sim... 
