San Diego Lifts Tropical Watch as Post-Tropical Rachel Leaves Behind Flood and Wind Risks

Key points

• NWS San Diego cancelled the Tropical Storm Watch early Sunday, but a Flood Watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. for parts of Southwest California.
• Peak winds reached 59 mph in eastern San Diego County, with a wind advisory issued for Julian and Pine Valley through 5 a.m. Monday.
• Coastal flooding and high surf, peaking at 6 to 9 feet, prompted closures and warnings for beaches including Imperial Beach and La Jolla.
• San Diego’s Department of Environmental Health issued a General Rain Advisory, urging avoidance of water contact for 72 hours due to bacteria from urban runoff.
• City officials reactivated the Inclement Weather Shelter Program, providing overnight housing at Father Joe’s Villages and Living Water Church for unhoused residents.

Background

This event follows earlier forecasts indicating Tropical Storm Rachel would make landfall near the San Diego-Tijuana border late Saturday night, marking the first tropical storm to hit California since 1939. Prior coverage noted the storm’s interaction with El Niño conditions, which elevated sea levels by up to 12 inches and increased the risk of significant coastal flooding and heavy precipitation across Southern California.

How outlets are covering it

While NBC 7 San Diego emphasized the cancellation of the Tropical Storm Watch and the lingering threat of flash flooding and wind, the Sacramento Bee focused on the expiration of the flash flood warning at 1:15 a.m., noting that heavy rain had ended but a Flood Watch remained. The Times of San Diego highlighted public safety measures, including the reactivation of shelter programs and specific beach closures due to bacteria and erosion, while also noting the NWS cancellation of a flood advisory for the San Diego River at Fashion Valley. All sources agree on the persistent risks of wind and coastal flooding despite the downgrade in storm status.

Why it matters

The transition from a tropical storm to a post-tropical system does not eliminate severe weather risks. Residents must remain vigilant for coastal erosion, high winds, and water quality issues, as these conditions can cause property damage and health hazards even after the primary storm threat has passed. The reactivation of shelter programs also underscores the ongoing impact on vulnerable populations during extreme weather events.

What to watch

A Flood Watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday, and a wind advisory for mountain areas continues until 5 a.m. Monday. Residents should monitor local alerts for updates on road closures and water quality advisories, which may remain in effect for up to 72 hours after rainfall ceases. Coastal areas should continue to avoid beach access due to high surf and erosion risks.