Tropical Storm Rachel Leaves a Trail of Damage as It Moves Inland
Tropical Storm Rachel, which battered southern California with heavy rains and strong winds, has been downgraded to a post-tropical storm. According to the National Weather Service, the storm caused significant flooding and damage over the weekend before moving across the desert southwest.
The storm’s remnants continue to pose a threat, with the possibility of flash floods persisting as rain and wind gusts are expected to linger through the weekend. Coastal areas faced high surf, leading to partial submersion of oceanfront homes in cities like Long Beach and Newport Beach, as sand berms erected to protect them were breached.
Flood warnings remain in effect along the California coastline, stretching from San Diego to the San Francisco Bay area. As the storm progresses inland, it has triggered rockslides that temporarily obstructed roads. Las Vegas experienced record rainfall, while a flood watch was issued for much of Utah, including Salt Lake City, as heavy rain was anticipated to begin pouring on Sunday evening.
Long Beach Public Works workers clean up along Alamitos Peninsula in Long Beach, Calif. that was affected by Tropical Storm Rachel, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.
Jill Connelly/AP Photo
Looking ahead, forecasters caution that Rachel may be a precursor to more severe weather conditions for California. The upcoming winter is predicted to bring the strongest El Niño weather pattern on record, characterized by warmer ocean temperatures that could lead to unprecedented rainfall, explosive surf, and mudslides into next year.
In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an emergency proclamation to allocate resources for safeguarding infrastructure and educating residents on storm preparedness. “That means getting flood-fighting supplies into position, bolstering our water infrastructure, and helping communities across the Golden State prepare,” stated Newsom.
The state is proactively positioning over 4 million sandbags, more than 50,000 feet of portable flood barriers, and 400,000 tons of rock for levee repairs. Additional measures include inspecting dams and reinforcing the structures supporting beach piers.
The El Niño phenomenon is expected to extend its impact to Mexico, where Hurricane Simon, a Category 4 hurricane, recently lashed the Pacific Coast. Although the storm’s eye remained offshore, Mexican authorities anticipate substantial damage from its intense rains and winds. President Claudia Sheinbaum has advised residents to stay indoors, emphasizing the priority of safety.
For further details, visit the National Weather Service and social media updates.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
