Rachel Brings Coastal Flooding to Southern California
Tropical Storm Rachel is approaching Baja California, while its outer bands and northward-drawn moisture are bringing hazardous conditions to Southern California; San Diego County is under only the state’s second recorded tropical storm watch. Powerful surf and unusually high tides have flooded streets and damaged beachfront properties in Newport Beach, prompting an emergency declaration and safety restrictions on several buildings. Forecasters warn coastal flooding, beach erosion, dangerous surf and rip currents could worsen through the weekend, particularly on south-facing beaches in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Rain and gusty winds are also expected across parts of the Southwest, with flood watches and wind advisories in areas including Southern Nevada and northwest Arizona, where some locations could receive 2 to 3 inches of rain. Unusually warm ocean temperatures and El Niño conditions may help Rachel retain or gain strength near the coast, an uncommon pattern for eastern Pacific storms reaching California.





