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Tropical Storm Rachel set to make landfall in San Diego area
Sacramento Bee • • nation
Key Points:
- Tropical Storm Rachel, just below hurricane strength with 70 mph winds, is forecasted to make landfall near Tijuana or just south late Saturday night, impacting Southern California and Baja with intense rain and strong winds.
- Rachel could be the first tropical storm to hit California since 1939 if it makes landfall near San Diego, maintaining its tropical characteristics due to its rapid approach.
- Flooding rains and gusty winds above 40 mph will affect Southern California through Sunday, extending into western Arizona and Las Vegas, with rain reaching as far as Salt Lake City by Monday.
- Widespread rainfall amounts above an inch are expected from San Diego through Las Vegas, with localized areas potentially receiving 2–3 inches, especially in rugged terrain and the Mojave Desert.
- The storm is expected to weaken quickly after landfall but will still bring sporadic gusts and flooding rains inland through Monday.
