Tropical Storm Rachel updates: California flooding, Long Beach evacuations and coastal damage- here's everything you need to know about Rachel hurricane

Southern California is facing flooding, strong waves and damaged homes after Tropical Storm Rachel moved into northern Baja California. Even though the storm no longer has tropical-storm status it kept bringing weather to both coastal and inland areas. In Long Beach the waterfront has seen damage. In Newport Beach officials declared an emergency after flooding hit, at least ten blocks of the Balboa Peninsula. Residents are being told to avoid coastal zones as crews continue working to reinforce shoreline defenses, as per a report by Beinsure and NBC Palm Springs.

Where has Tropical Storm Rachel caused the most damage

Long Beach has been among the hardest‑hit communities. Powerful waves damaged waterfront homes, flooded streets. Tore apart sections of the boardwalk. City inspectors declared eight buildings to enter after checking the damage.


Authorities ordered evacuations for residents along the Long Beach Peninsula as seawater pushed into homes and nearby streets. Crews have also been working to reinforce defenses and repair damaged protective sand berms.

The danger is not limited to Long Beach. Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach and San Diego have also faced concerns about surf and rising tides. Officials warned that another round of tides could cause more flooding especially in low‑lying neighborhoods exposed to onshore winds.

Rachel made landfall in northern Baja California on October 10 bringing rain strong winds and dangerous coastal conditions. By 11 p.m. Saturday Rachel’s center was 80 miles south‑southeast of San Diego according to the National Hurricane Center.

Flash flood warnings covered parts of San Diego, Riverside and Imperial counties. Rainfall over the Coachella Valley reached around 0.75 to 1 inch per hour in some places overnight raising concerns about flooding, in communities including Palm Springs, Indio, Palm Desert and Rancho Mirage.

What are the latest flood and wind warnings?

San Diego County remained at risk from heavy rainfall, flooding and strong winds through Sunday. The National Weather Service warned that mountain and desert areas could see wind gusts of 40 to 55 mph,while gusts around metropolitan San Diego were forecast to reach about 25 mph.

Strong winds could cause a lot of damage. Falling branches could also create problems on roads. A coastal flood warning was in effect until 3 p.m. Sunday. Officials were also monitoring the San Diego River near Fashion Valley, where water levels were expected to rise slightly above 8 feet before gradually falling.

Los Angeles County was expected to receive less rain, generally between 0.25 and 1 inch. Another, colder weather system could bring additional showers on Monday.

Local officials have urged residents to avoid flooded streets and hazardous shorelines. In San Diego, recreation centers were opened as distribution points for empty sandbags, and shelter arrangements were made for unhoused residents.

Residents can report non-emergency flooding or storm damage in San Diego by calling 619-527-7500 or using the city's Get It Done application.



Rachel is arriving during an exceptionally strong El Niño event. The climate pattern can influence eastern Pacific storm activity and increase the likelihood of wetter winter conditions in Southern California. However, El Niño does not determine the exact severity of an individual storm. The immediate concern remains the combination of coastal flooding, heavy rain and strong winds. Even though Rachel is no longer classified as a tropical storm, hazardous conditions could continue after its center moves away.