Rachel's heaviest rain peaks Sunday morning as flood advisories stretch to Tuesday
A second, colder storm system moves in Sunday night with more showers, gusts up to 60 mph in the mountains, and elevated surf that keeps coastal flooding in the forecast into midweek.
The heaviest rain from Post-Tropical Cyclone Rachel is expected late Saturday night into Sunday morning, with coastal areas getting about an inch or less and some mountain areas getting more than four inches, National Weather Service forecasters said. Most of the moisture falls fast; after that, the focus turns to the surf, as Sunday's combination of high tide, onshore wind and swell brings the weekend's worst coastal flooding.
A coastal flood warning runs through 3 p.m. Sunday for Orange County coastal areas, followed by a coastal flood advisory from 3 p.m. Sunday until 2 p.m. Tuesday. A high surf advisory is in effect from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, with the Weather Service warning of dangerous rip currents and warning that the threat of at least minor to moderate coastal flooding and elevated surf continues into Tuesday.
The rain is not finished when Rachel passes. A second, colder low-pressure system moves into California Sunday night and Monday with additional showers possible, and showers could linger into Tuesday before the weather dries out Wednesday.
"We're not expecting widespread freshwater flooding at this point, but some areas of minor roadway flooding is possible," the Weather Service said. "The more significant impacts are likely going to come from the coastal flooding side of things, especially for south facing beaches in Los Angeles County."
A wind advisory covers the mountains and foothills from 5 a.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday, with gusts of 50 to 60 mph possible, and forecasters warned of steep, choppy seas hazardous to smaller vessels.
For Huntington Beach residents, the guidance is direct: remain out of the water through Sunday, do not drive through flooded roads or around barricades, and allow extra time where water may cover roads and walkways.
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