Tropical Storm Rachel Causing Homes To Collapse in California
Storm Rachel damaged California homes as coastal flooding, powerful waves, and erosion batter Southern California communities.
Homes in Southern California sustained severe damage due to Tropical Storm Rachel, which hit coastal communities with powerful waves and flooding. The storm's impact was particularly severe in the Peninsula of Long Beach, where strong waves overpowered a coastal bulkhead, causing water to flood homes and streets. Long Beach authorities have red-tagged eight buildings, housing 13 homes, and imposed a mandatory evacuation order for several homes in the 6400 and 6500 blocks of Seaside Walk.
The city has restricted access to the affected area to ensure safety. To address the damage, Long Beach has deployed a crane, positioned 30 heavy-duty sandbags weighing 3,000 pounds each, and plans to supply around 17,000 sandbags and an additional 50,000 to 100,000 cubic yards of sand to strengthen coastal defenses. Meanwhile, in Newport Beach, officials declared a local emergency following widespread coastal flooding caused by unusually high ocean levels and high surf.
Crews are reinforcing protective sand barriers, and the city is continuing to fix the barriers and clear floodwater. Despite Rachel no longer being classified as a tropical storm, the National Hurricane Center warns that hazardous weather from its remains could continue to affect the region, with waves causing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
The National Weather Service predicts minor to moderate coastal flooding through at least Tuesday, with some areas likely to experience flash and urban flooding. The storm brought more rain to Southern California, with San Diego County valleys receiving 2.37 inches of rain and the mountains getting 2.15 inches. Peak rainfall rates in the mountains reached 0.70 to 1 inch per hour.
The California Coastal Commission's 2024 guidance highlights that approximately 38 percent of Southern California's coast is protected by shoreline armoring, and the impact of this armoring on sea-level rise, beach erosion, coastal habitats, and coastal squeeze is under scrutiny.
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