As a heat wave continues to batter California, the state should get some respite, but worries about extreme weather from the remnants of Hurricane Rachel loom off the Pacific coast. How should Californians prepare?
The Hurricane is forecast to weaken to a tropical storm as it hits Southern California, but is still expected to bring heavy rain, gusty winds, dangerous surf, and localized flooding as early as Sunday.
The projected landfall is about 100 miles south of San Diego, but the forecast cone stretches as far as north Orange County.
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What should you do if you are in a flood zone?
Ahead of storms, federal and Ventura County authorities recommend checking flood zones and historical flood risks in your area.
Beyond making sure you are insured
for flooding, check drainage channels, ditches, and pipes to ensure they are free of obstructions such as dirt, rocks, foliage, or trash so water can flow more easily, according to the Ventura County Public Works Department.
If your home is below the Federal Emergency Management Agency's base flood elevation, elevate equipment such as furnaces, water heaters, and air conditioning units. The county's public works department says ensuring downspouts point away from the home and stay free of debris can also help reduce potential flooding near the home.
In extreme weather, make sure your family has an evacuation plan. Prepare with sandbags and straw wattle if your area has a history of flooding.
Stay off beaches and out of the water during the storm
Even if Hurricane Rachel weakens before reaching Southern California, forecasters warn it could generate dangerous surf, powerful rip currents, large waves, and coastal flooding. Beachgoers should avoid entering the ocean during the storm, as rough conditions can quickly overwhelm even experienced swimmers and surfers.
Residents and visitors should also stay off jetties, rocks, piers, and shoreline areas vulnerable to wave overtopping. Coastal flooding and beach erosion are possible along parts of San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles and Ventura counties, particularly during periods of high tide.
If you plan to visit the coast this weekend, check local advisories and beach closures before heading out. The safest option during dangerous surf and coastal flooding is to stay away from beaches until conditions improve.
Where California could see the greatest impacts
San Diego County
San Diego sits closest to the forecast track and could experience the strongest winds, heaviest rain bands, and highest surf if Rachel remains on its current course. Although the National Hurricane Center currently places the odds of tropical-storm-force winds below 10%, those probabilities could rise if the storm tracks farther north.
Orange County
Orange County falls within the northern edge of the forecast cone. Residents could experience gusty winds, periods of rain, dangerous surf and beach erosion, particularly along exposed coastal communities.
Ventura and Los Angeles counties
Los Angeles faces a risk of heavy rain and localized flooding Sunday. Urban flooding, slick roads and isolated debris flows near recent wildfire burn scars could become concerns if heavier bands of tropical moisture move ashore.
Similarly, just to the north, Ventura Countycould receive about a quarter inch to a half inch of rain over several hours. , with a slight chance of thunderstorms. While not yet clear on the timing, high surf could cause coastal flooding Sunday morning.
Inland Empire and mountain communities
Higher elevations in the San Bernardino and Riverside County mountains could experience stronger wind gusts than lower elevations. Areas around Big Bear are among those highlighted for an elevated flash-flood risk.
Coachella Valley and desert communities
Palm Springs and surrounding desert communities could see periods of heavy rain that could cause rapid flooding in washes, low-water crossings, and typically dry creek beds, similar to impacts seen during Tropical Storm Hilary in 2023.
Central Coast and Northern California
Significant impacts appear less likely farther north. However, forecasters caution that tropical systems can shift track and spread moisture far beyond their center. Northern California residents should continue monitoring forecasts, particularly if the storm's path trends northward.
Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at ecentenoaraujo@vcstar.com, 805-437-0224 or @ecentenoaraujo on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: How can Californians prepare for potential flooding ahead of storms?
