Rachel storm has caused floods and damage in coastal southern California, forcing American authorities to order evacuations and warn residents of dangerous weather conditions.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the storm centre, now classified as post-tropical Cyclone, arrived north of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico during Saturday night on October 10th.
Although Rachel has weakened, her influence continues to be felt in San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach, and other cities along the American coast.
The US National Meteorological Service (NWS) has issued warnings of immediate flooding in parts of San Diego, Riverside and Imperial counties.
According to the Los Angeles Times report, intense rainfall has also affected the Coachella Valley, including Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and Indio, where in some areas the intensity of rain has reached about 25 mm per hour.
The situation is particularly disturbing in Long Beach, where seawater has penetrated home and roads. Authorities have ordered the evacuation of residents to parts of the Peninsula neighbourhood, while waves have also damaged coastal infrastructure.
In Newport Beach, the floods have forced authorities to temporarily close some beaches and kalata.
Meteorologists warn that combining large waves, high tides, and winds could cause other damage along the coast.
According to the Los Angeles Times, extremely high Pacific water temperatures and climate phenomena El Niño has influenced the creation of unusual conditions that are worsening the floods.
Scientists explain that warmer waters and rising sea levels can make coastal storms more dangerous even when wind speed begins to slow.
The danger is not limited to the coast. Meteorological authorities warn of rapid flooding in internal areas, especially in desert and mountainous regions.
Rachel storm is considered a rare phenomenon for California. Historically, very few tropical Cyclones have been able to directly influence this part of the United States.
According to experts quoted by the Los Angeles Times, the event is highlighting the vulnerability of coastal cities to extreme weather conditions.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid flooded roads, beaches, and areas where waves can endanger their lives.
Despite Rachel's weakening, meteorologists stress that floods and rainfall may continue to cause problems during Sunday, October 11th, while emergency teams remain on alert.
