Forecasters confirmed on Sunday that Tropical Storm Rachel has weakened into a post-tropical system. The storm, which brought significant coastal flooding and heavy rainfall to Southern California over the weekend, has since moved inland across the desert southwest.
According to the National Weather Service, the region remains at risk for flash flooding as the storm’s remnants continue to release rain and generate wind gusts through the weekend. High surf is also expected to persist, continuing to batter coastal communities.
In cities such as Long Beach and Newport Beach, oceanfront homes were partially submerged after powerful waves overtopped sand berms designed to protect the shorelines. Flood warnings remain in effect along much of the California coast from San Diego northward to the San Francisco Bay area.
As the system advanced northeastward, it triggered additional hazards. Rockslides temporarily blocked roads in certain areas, and Las Vegas experienced record-breaking rainfall on Sunday. The National Weather Service also issued a flood watch for much of Utah, including Salt Lake City, where heavy rain was forecast to begin Sunday evening.
Meteorologists have cautioned that Rachel may serve as a precursor to more intense weather patterns. California is bracing for what could be a record-setting El Niño event this winter, characterized by hotter-than-average ocean temperatures. Such conditions typically bring record rainfall, aggressive surf, and mudslides that could extend well into next year.
In response to the potential threat, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an emergency proclamation last month, unlocking funds and resources to help the state prepare for severe weather. “That means getting flood-fighting supplies into position, bolstering our water infrastructure, and helping communities across the Golden State prepare,” Newsom stated.
The state is currently pre-positioning more than 4 million sandbags, over 50,000 feet of portable flood barriers, and 400,000 tons of rock for levee repairs. Officials are also inspecting dams and reinforcing the pillars supporting beach piers.
The strong El Niño is also expected to impact Mexico. Over the weekend, Hurricane Simon struck the country’s Pacific coast as a Category 4 storm. The eye of the hurricane tracked parallel to the shoreline approximately 60 miles offshore near Manzanillo. While it remains unclear whether the storm will make landfall, Mexican authorities have issued warnings.
Great to see the state pre-positioning millions of sandbags, but I hope they are actually enough for a potentially record-setting event like this.
My cousin in Long Beach says the ocean looks terrifying right now. Glad the sand berms held up mostly, but still scary stuff.
Is anyone else worried that this early storm is just a preview of the intense El Niño winter forecasters are predicting for California?
That record rainfall in Las Vegas is absolutely wild. Nobody expects the desert to get hit that hard during a storm like this.