On the Southern California coast, the National Weather Service's San Diego office reported that Sunday morning would carry the highest flooding risks along the Orange County and San Diego County coast due to a combination of swells, onshore winds, and high tides. High tide on Sunday morning is at 9:43 a.m. in La Jolla and 9:48 a.m. in Newport Beach. In Los Angeles County, high tide is around 9:49 a.m. The Oxnard office of the weather service warned that south-facing beaches in Los Angeles County could experience significant coastal flooding, potentially exceeding the damage caused by swells from Hurricane Marie over Labor Day weekend, which affected homes in Long Beach, Malibu, and Dana Point.
The weather service indicated that localized damaging sea-water flooding is likely, particularly in Long Beach, Avalon, and Malibu, along with significant beach erosion. Coastal flood warnings or advisories have been issued from San Diego to Santa Cruz and encircle much of San Francisco Bay. Additionally, there is a risk of flooding in Southern California's mountains and deserts due to rain.
As Rachel moves through the region, it is causing heavy rain in Las Vegas and desert areas of California and Nevada. The National Weather Service reported flooding in West Las Vegas and issued flood advisories for various locations including Kingman, Lake Havasu City, Western Las Vegas Valley, and Death Valley. Gusty southerly winds are also expected across the southern Great Basin.
The National Weather Service forecasts a strong chance of rain in Los Angeles on Sunday and Monday, with a slight chance of rain on Tuesday morning. Rain amounts are expected to be modest, totaling less than an inch in Los Angeles, with the greatest chance of significant showers occurring on Monday. Inland areas of California may see more substantial rainfall, prompting a Flood Watch for Riverside and San Bernardino county mountains and deserts, as well as San Diego County.
As of 5 a.m., Post-Tropical Cyclone Rachel was moving through the California desert, with maximum sustained winds decreasing to near 40 mph. The cyclone is expected to continue weakening and dissipate later in the day. Rachel made landfall in Baja California late Saturday night, bringing heavy winds and rain to parts of Mexico, Southern California, and other areas of the Southwest. Flash flood warnings have been issued for locations including Dana Point, Indio, Palm Desert, and El Cajon.
The Long Beach peninsula, already affected by weeks of high surf, is preparing for further issues as Rachel impacts the area. City officials reported that waves had previously topped the bulkhead, flooding homes and streets. Eight buildings across 13 addresses have been red-tagged as unsafe, and at least one has been yellow-tagged. Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson emphasized the need for residents to prepare for potential impacts.
Long Beach City Manager Tom Modica indicated that recovery could take a significant amount of time, and the city will seek assistance from the governor and potentially the federal government.
Coastal communities including Newport Beach, Long Beach, San Diego, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach are preparing for high tide on Sunday morning as Rachel moves through the region. A mandatory evacuation order is in effect for oceanfront residents in Long Beach, covering homes on Seaside Walk between 64th and 66th places, effective from 7 p.m. Friday through noon Tuesday. A commercial crane is scheduled to deliver sandbags in the affected areas.