Tropical Storm Rachel threatens Southern California with coastal flooding

Tropical Storm Rachel is forecast to bring coastal flooding, strong winds and rain to portions of Southern California on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. The storm’s approach has prompted warnings for beach erosion, high surf and the possibility of water overtopping shoreline protections in vulnerable areas.

The most immediate concerns are in coastal communities from the U.S.-Mexico border northward, where forecasters say flooding could affect homes, roads and businesses near the ocean or in low-lying areas. Officials in the region have also warned of hazardous surf and the possibility of localized flooding from rainfall and drainage issues.

As of Saturday morning, the National Weather Service said Rachel was interacting with an upper-level low pressure system over Southern California, a setup expected to increase coastal flooding through early next week. The agency said flooding risk would peak on Sunday, with the effects continuing into Tuesday in some areas.

Rachel was still over the eastern Pacific on Friday and had already prompted tropical storm warnings and local weather statements for parts of Southern California and northern Baja California. The National Hurricane Center said the storm’s broader effects could extend beyond Mexico, sending rain, wind and dangerous surf toward the Southern California coast.

Coastal communities brace for high tide and flooding

Local officials in places such as Newport Beach have already taken steps to respond to rising water and erosion concerns. In some coastal neighborhoods, floodwaters were reported to have overtaken homes and businesses, and crews were working to rebuild sand berms intended to hold back the surf.

The Weather Service said the strongest coastal impacts would likely hit areas closest to the shoreline, especially during periods of high tide. It also warned that flood waters can enter structures, weaken foundations and create dangerous conditions near the beach, in drainage channels and around low-lying property.

Although the storm’s exact track can still shift, forecasters said the combination of tropical moisture, swell and local weather patterns is enough to make this a significant coastal flooding event for the region. Residents along the Southern California coast were being told to prepare for changing conditions through the weekend and into the start of next week.