Full Breakdown
Flooding and Wave Damage Sweep Southern California and Las Vegas After Remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel
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Extreme Weather Hits Southern California and Las Vegas
Over the weekend, the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel moved from Mexico’s Baja California into Southern California and the Las Vegas area, producing flooding that overtook streets and powerful surf that battered beachfront homes. In Long Beach, massive waves destroyed a boardwalk and left at least nine houses deemed unsafe for entry, according to the Long Beach Post. Newport Beach declared a local emergency, briefly closed its piers, and later reopened them while urging caution near the water. In Las Vegas, a torrent of water surged over a street near the Strip, and the city set an all-time daily rainfall record for October with 1.08 in (2.74 cm) of rain, as reported by the U.S. National Weather Service.
Background: El Niño and Storm Rachel
Meteorologists noted that Rachel weakened to a post-tropical cyclone before reaching California, yet it still generated significant impacts. The event occurs amid an unusually strong El Niño, which the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projects could produce historic wet weather, landslides, and high tides. Colorado State University researcher Phil Klotzbach, who studies storm activity, described the month’s storm behavior as “berserk,” noting that recent Pacific hurricanes have reached major intensity with sustained winds of at least 111 mph (178.6 km/h).
Damage and Emergency Responses
Long Beach officials reported that the storm cost the city more than $1 million from its emergency reserves. Newport Beach’s emergency declaration allowed authorities to close piers temporarily to protect public safety. Cleanup efforts began by Monday, with officials in both cities advising residents to stay away from hazardous water and unstable structures.
Official Statements & Expert Commentary
City officials in Long Beach and Newport Beach emphasized public safety, citing the need for evacuations and caution near inundated areas. The U.S. National Weather Service confirmed the record-setting rainfall in Las Vegas. Phil Klotzbach’s assessment underscores the broader climatological context, linking the storm’s intensity to the ongoing El Niño surge.
Data Summary
- Tropical Storm Rachel’s remnants produced coastal flooding and high surf.
- Nine Long Beach homes declared unsafe; >$1 million emergency reserve expenditure.
- Las Vegas recorded 1.08 in (2.74 cm) of rain, a city-wide October daily record.
- NOAA models indicate a potentially historic El Niño season with heightened storm risk.