The worst of storm Rachel has passed, but threats to coast remain

Key Points:

• The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel caused damage to coastal homes in Long Beach and flooding in the Coachella Valley, but National Weather Service forecasters indicate the worst has passed for Southern California, though coastal flooding advisories remain in effect through Tuesday.
• High tides around 7.5 feet are expected Monday and Tuesday mornings along the coast from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, with risks of beach erosion, flooding of parking lots and pathways, and strong rip currents posing dangers to swimmers and small boats.
• A man died at Dockweiler Beach on Sunday, with authorities investigating if storm conditions contributed to his drowning, highlighting ongoing hazards from large waves and rip currents.
• The storm caused severe impacts on some Long Beach Peninsula homes and damaged the historic boardwalk, but other areas like Newport Beach avoided major damage due to proactive protective measures.
• Experts link the storm's intensity to unusually warm ocean temperatures fueled by El Niño, a marine heatwave, and climate change; further tropical storms remain possible before hurricane season ends, while El Niño may also bring a wetter winter and upcoming Santa Ana winds increasing wildfire risks later in the week.