Coastal flooding advisories remain as high tides threaten Southern California after storm Rachel
National Weather Service forecasters say the most severe impacts of storm Rachel have passed, but coastal flooding advisories stay in effect through Monday and Tuesday as additional high tides are expected.
The National Weather Service said the most intense phase of storm Rachel has moved on, yet coastal flooding advisories continue for Southern California. Advisories cover the coast from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, with the northern portion ending after Monday’s high tide and the southern portion extending through Tuesday’s tide.
High tides are expected around 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday and Tuesday, with secondary peaks late at night. Preliminary measurements near Long Beach recorded a tide of about 7.6 feet on Sunday, and forecasters project Monday’s and Tuesday’s morning tides to be near 7.5 feet.
The agency warned that isolated damage, such as beach erosion and flooding of parking areas, remains possible but unlikely. Strong rip currents and large waves could increase the risk of drownings and capsizing of small vessels. Authorities are investigating a death at Dockweiler Beach that occurred during the storm.
Damage reports include swept-away sections of the historic boardwalk and harmed homes on the Long Beach Peninsula, while Newport Beach officials said the city avoided major damage after reinforcing berms.
Scientists linked the storm’s strength to unusually warm ocean temperatures, attributing part of the heat to El Niño and a preceding marine heatwave, with one climate researcher noting that human-caused climate change also plays a role. He added that, although rare, another tropical storm could affect the region before the end of the hurricane season.
Rainfall totals from Rachel exceeded six inches in parts of San Diego County and over two inches in some Los Angeles County mountain areas. The forecast later this week calls for high temperatures, dry air and the first Santa Ana winds of the season, raising wildfire risk from Thursday through Saturday.