Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 2 hrs ago
Rachel downgraded after flooding and damage in Southern California
Tropical Storm Rachel was downgraded to a post-tropical storm on Sunday after bringing flooding and damage to Southern California.
High surf partly submerged oceanfront homes in Long Beach and Newport Beach, and flood warnings remained along much of the California coast.
As the storm moved inland, rain broke a daily record in Las Vegas, while Utah faced a flood watch.
Rachel’s remnants were expected to keep bringing rain and gusty winds, and coastal communities faced continued high surf.
California officials have been preparing for severe weather, including by placing sandbags, portable flood barriers and rock for levee repairs around the state.
Forecasters expect a strong El Niño this winter, which could bring heavy rainfall, large surf and mudslides to California into next year.
The storm’s effects were still unfolding, while officials warned that severe weather risks could continue in the coming months.
Rachel was downgraded to a post-tropical storm after causing flooding and damage in Southern California over the weekend.
The storm moved inland across the desert Southwest, where rain and wind continued to pose a risk of flash floods.
High surf partially submerged oceanfront homes in Long Beach and Newport Beach after breaching sand berms.
Flood warnings remained in effect along much of the California coast, from San Diego to the San Francisco Bay area.
Forecasters warned that a strong El Niño could bring record rainfall, powerful surf and mudslides to California this winter.
- Who
- Tropical Storm Rachel and communities in Southern California and other parts of the Southwest.
- What
- Rachel was downgraded to a post-tropical storm after causing flooding and damage.
- When
- Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, after impacts over the weekend.
- Where
- Southern California, then inland across the desert Southwest.
- Why
- The storm brought heavy rain, strong winds and high surf.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
That means getting flood-fighting supplies into position, bolstering our water infrastructure, and helping communities across the Golden State prepare
The priority is to protect ourselves.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an emergency proclamation to support preparations for severe weather.
Rachel caused flooding and damage in Southern California before moving inland.
The National Weather Service said Rachel had been downgraded to a post-tropical storm.
Heavy rain was expected to begin in much of Utah, including Salt Lake City.
- Storm status
- Downgraded to a post-tropical storm on Sunday
- Affected coast
- Flood warnings from San Diego to the San Francisco Bay area
- Daily rainfall record
- Las Vegas broke a record on Sunday
- Sandbags
- California is pre-positioning more than 4 million
- Portable flood barriers
- More than 50,000 feet are being pre-positioned
- Rock for levees
- 400,000 tons are being pre-positioned
Sources
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