Wide areas of the Southwest experienced heavy rainfall on Sunday as the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel weakened and moved inland. The National Weather Service reported that Rachel was no longer classified as a tropical storm, but coastal communities that had already faced high surf reported less damage than anticipated. Waves impacted beachfront homes in Long Beach, and debris flowed onto highways south of Palm Desert, while floodwaters submerged a casino parking lot on the Las Vegas Strip. Despite the storm's downgrade, risks remain along the California coast until Tuesday, with concerns about an active El Niño season ahead.
The coastal flooding that affected areas from Newport Beach to Long Beach was attributed to a combination of unusual weather events, according to meteorologists. National Weather Service meteorologist Daniel Berc stated that while the heaviest rain had passed, residents could still expect sporadic rain and high tides in the coming days.
Significant damage was reported on the Long Beach Peninsula, where waves swept away parts of the historic wooden boardwalk and inundated homes. A two-story oceanfront house on Seaside Walk was notably affected, with its deck submerged and structural damage evident. Nearby homes also showed signs of damage, with some decks partially submerged.
Flood warnings remain in effect for beaches in San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties through Tuesday. Meteorologist Joe Sirard noted that high tides, driven by warm ocean water and lower atmospheric pressure, contributed to the coastal flooding.
As of early Sunday, Rachel was approximately 255 miles north-northeast of San Diego, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. The National Hurricane Center indicated that while it would cease updates on the storm, the Southern California coast would continue to experience hazardous conditions due to incoming waves and swells.
The National Weather Service projected that Rachel could bring total rainfall of 1 to 3 inches, with some areas receiving up to 5 inches. Las Vegas recorded 1.08 inches of rain since midnight, breaking the daily record for October 11. In the Coachella Valley, flooding caused debris flows that blocked California 74.
The National Weather Service in San Diego warned of ongoing coastal flooding and beach erosion through midweek, with lingering showers and winds expected. In Long Beach, city workers were seen constructing a sand berm to protect against further flooding, although some residents expressed concerns about the adequacy of these measures.
In Newport Beach, the high tide began to recede, providing relief after the city worked to protect homes from flooding. Residents reported that the streets were dry by Sunday, with city crews reinforcing sand berms to safeguard properties. Long Beach residents had mixed reactions to the city's efforts, with some praising the response while others felt more permanent solutions were necessary to prevent future damage.