California coastline hit by Tropical Storm Rachel

The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel have caused significant coastal and inland disruption across California. In Southern California, heavy rainfall and high surf have led to severe coastal battering. In Long Beach, ocean waves topped protective bulkheads, flooding residential streets and homes. City building inspectors have red-tagged nine structures across 13 addresses, declaring them unsafe for habitation, while one additional building received a yellow tag to restrict use.

In the Coachella Valley, the storm brought heavy rainfall, including 1.15 inches in Palm Springs and 1.71 inches in Thermal. Local roofing companies report a surge in service calls as the rain exposes vulnerabilities in homes, particularly regarding flat roofs and improperly repaired tiles from previous storms.

Weather officials noted that while the storm lacked the intensity of previous major events like Tropical Storm Hilary, the heavy rainfall and gusty winds have caused widespread property damage and necessitated emergency assessments of foundations and structures along the waterfront.