Tropical Storm Rachel Delivers Record Rain and Coastal Damage Across Southern California and Nevada

Key points

• San Diego County received up to 5.16 inches of rain in Palomar Mountain, far exceeding the National Weather Service's forecast of 1-3 inches.
• Heavy surf and high tides flooded parts of Highway 101 near Carlsbad and damaged protective berms in Del Mar and Oceanside.
• Three water rescues were conducted in San Diego, including one in La Mesa, one in Logan Heights, and one involving a sailboat near Coronado.
• Las Vegas experienced over one inch of rain, setting a new daily record at Harry Reid International Airport and causing widespread flooding and road closures.
• Long Beach's historic boardwalk collapsed further due to cumulative damage from Hurricanes Marie and Polo and Tropical Storm Rachel, leading to red-tagged buildings and emergency sandbagging.

Background

Tropical Storm Rachel was the first tropical storm to hit California since 1939, arriving during record El Niño conditions that elevated sea levels by up to 12 inches. The storm had previously weakened as it moved inland, but its remnants brought significant precipitation to the Southwest. Earlier in October, the region had already faced impacts from Hurricanes Marie and Polo, setting the stage for Rachel's more severe effects.

How outlets are covering it

The San Diego Union-Tribune emphasized the storm's heavier-than-expected rainfall and the immediate dangers to coastal communities, including power outages and water rescues. The Los Angeles Times focused on the long-term climate implications, highlighting the cumulative damage to Long Beach's boardwalk and the city's need for expensive, permanent infrastructure upgrades. KTNV Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported on the record-breaking rain and widespread flooding in the Las Vegas valley, noting road closures and stranded vehicles. All sources agree on the severity of the storm but differ in their focus: local impacts in San Diego, long-term climate resilience in Long Beach, and immediate flooding in Las Vegas.

Why it matters

The event underscores the increasing frequency and intensity of storm systems in Southern California, exacerbated by El Niño conditions. The significant deviation from forecasts highlights the challenges in predicting weather patterns and the need for improved infrastructure and emergency response. The cumulative damage in Long Beach signals a growing concern about coastal resilience and the financial burden of repeated storm impacts.

What to watch

San Diego County faces ongoing risks of coastal flooding and high surf through the afternoon, with a wind advisory active for mountain areas until Monday morning. Long Beach is in emergency response mode, with permanent repairs to the boardwalk estimated to cost between $1.5 million and $3.6 million, expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Las Vegas has a Flood Watch and Wind Advisory in effect through 5 a.m. Monday, with potential for additional showers and thundershowers.