Months of pounding surf have left a massive crack in the cliff supporting California’s iconic Pacific Coast Highway, raising concerns that more of the coastal roadway could be at risk as El Niño strengthens.

The damage near Laguna Beach, next to the Crystal Cove State Park lifeguard headquarters, forced Caltrans to close one southbound lane between El Morro Canyon and Irvine Cove.

The closure is expected to last several days or longer, with no reopening timeline announced.

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State Parks has already closed portions of Crystal Cove and San Onofre State Beach following damaging surf from Tropical Storm Rachel.

Visitors staying in 26 beach cottages were also evacuated as crews assessed the damage.

Waves, high tides and El Niño take a toll

The crack follows months of powerful waves battering Southern California, fueled by recent hurricane swells, high tides and developing El Niño conditions.

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Over the weekend, large surf and high water levels sent seawater flooding into Newport Beach streets while contributing to severe erosion along Laguna Beach and other coastal stretches.

A warm-water disturbance known as a Kelvin wave is also helping push sea levels higher.

It’s unclear when the crack formed or how deep it extends. Caltrans crews assessed the damage Tuesday and are evaluating potential repairs.

Could more of the highway be at risk?

“Any time that any of these exit routes or entrance routes are comprised, it’s definitely a concern,” said Laguna Beach Mayor Mark Orgill.

The damage comes as California prepares for an increasingly powerful El Niño this winter.

NOAA forecasters say a very strong to record event is likely through January-March 2027, with the Climate Prediction Center warning of the potential for a historic event.

California's governor has already declared a state of emergency ahead of the winter storm season.

Caltrans crews have spent weeks reinforcing vulnerable slopes along State Route 1 with large boulders to help stabilize slopes and reduce erosion from waves and runoff.

But with more potentially powerful weather ahead, questions remain about how California’s coastline will hold up through winter.