Post-Tropical Storm Rachel Leaves Coastal California in Ruins as Historic El Niño Intensifies

Key points

• Long Beach experienced significant damage, with at least nine homes deemed unsafe and 13 red-tagged for evacuation, according to The Guardian and The New York Times.
• The storm cost Long Beach over $1 million from emergency reserves, and the city’s boardwalk was destroyed.
• Newport Beach declared a local emergency and closed piers but successfully protected beachfront homes by fortifying berms, per The Los Angeles Times.
• Las Vegas recorded 1.08 inches of rain, setting an all-time daily record for October, according to the US National Weather Service.
• NOAA models indicate a high probability of a historic El Niño, which is expected to cause severe storms, landslides, and high tides in California this winter.

Background

This event follows a series of extreme weather patterns in Southern California, including a record-breaking October heat wave and the arrival of a massive Kelvin wave that raised sea levels by up to 12 inches. Tropical Storm Rachel was the first tropical storm to hit California since 1939, as noted in earlier coverage. The current storm is part of a broader trend of powerful and long-lasting Pacific storms, with the last five hurricanes reaching major status.

How outlets are covering it

The Guardian emphasizes the destructive impact on Long Beach, highlighting the financial cost and the unsafe conditions of homes. The New York Times provides a more nuanced view, noting that while Long Beach faced significant damage, the city managed minor flooding with sandbags and that the Long Beach marathon proceeded with route alterations. The New York Times also highlights the successful mitigation efforts in Newport Beach, contrasting it with the damage in Long Beach. Both outlets agree on the broader context of the historic El Niño and its potential for future severe weather.

Why it matters

The damage from Tropical Storm Rachel underscores the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in California, driven by a historic El Niño. The event highlights the vulnerability of coastal communities and the need for robust emergency preparedness and mitigation strategies. The potential for a historic El Niño suggests that California may face prolonged severe weather, including heavy rains, landslides, and destructive high tides, which could have significant economic and social impacts.

What to watch

California is expected to face a challenging winter with severe storms due to the strong El Niño. NOAA models predict a high chance of a historic El Niño, which could lead to rainy wet weather, landslides, and destructive high tides. Residents are advised to remain cautious near the water and prepare for potential flooding. The long-term effects of the El Niño, including temperature spikes and rising global food prices, are also expected to be felt worldwide.