Southern California coastal communities are recovering after a weekend of extreme weather that brought flooding and intense waves, damaging homes and infrastructure. The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel impacted areas in Baja California, Mexico, as well as southern California and Las Vegas.
Impact on Long Beach
Meteorologists reported that while Rachel weakened into a post-tropical cyclone as it approached California, it still caused significant destruction. Footage revealed massive waves crashing into homes in Long Beach, destroying a boardwalk and forcing residents to evacuate. The damage to homes was severe, with at least nine properties deemed unsafe to enter, according to the Long Beach Post. This situation has left displaced residents unable to retrieve personal belongings.
The storm has cost the city over $1 million from its emergency reserves.
Newport Beach Emergency
Further south, Newport Beach declared a local emergency and temporarily closed piers to protect public safety due to “higher-than-normal surf” that flooded streets. By Monday, cleanup efforts were underway, and the piers were reopened, although officials advised residents to remain cautious near the water.
