Coastal flooding and powerful surf remain a concern for Orange County beaches through Tuesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. While the peak impact has passed, minor to moderate coastal flooding is still possible due to persistent high tides and elevated surf. The region experienced rain on Monday in the aftermath of what was Tropical Storm Rachel, but the primary threat shifts to coastal conditions.
The National Weather Service downgraded coastal flood warnings to advisories on Sunday afternoon, with these advisories remaining in effect until 2 p.m. Tuesday for beaches across both Los Angeles and Orange counties. Forecasters anticipate morning high tides of 7 to 7.5 feet on both Monday and Tuesday. While the surf is expected to gradually subside over the next several days, beachgoers are urged by the weather service to stay out of the water. Motorists are also warned against driving through any flooded roads or around barricades. South-facing beaches are considered the most vulnerable during these conditions.
Overnight rain fell across the Southland, with light showers possibly continuing into Monday afternoon, particularly in eastern mountains and foothills, according to the National Weather Service. The remnants of Rachel largely moved out of the region Sunday afternoon, leaving only scattered showers in Los Angeles County. A sharp upper-level trough moving into California overnight is expected to bring additional cooling and further chances of showers, especially for parts of Los Angeles County. Coastal and valley areas could see an additional tenth to a quarter-inch of rain, while mountains in Los Angeles County might receive a quarter to a half-inch. There is also a slight chance, between 5% and 10%, of thunderstorms.
Temperatures are predicted to remain significantly below normal on Monday, ranging 10 to 20 degrees below seasonal averages. However, conditions are expected to dry out starting Tuesday as the trough shifts eastward and offshore winds begin to develop across Southern California. Forecasters project that strong and gusty northeast winds, characteristic of Santa Anas, could emerge by Wednesday morning in typical corridors of Los Angeles County, potentially necessitating wind advisories. Temperatures will start to climb on Tuesday and Wednesday, leading to a more pronounced warming trend later in the week. By Friday, temperatures could soar 10 to 20 degrees above normal, with highs possibly reaching well into the 90s in the warmest valleys and coastal areas, the NWS reported. Weak to moderate Santa Ana winds are also possible across Los Angeles County through the weekend, with the strongest gusts potentially arriving Friday and Saturday.
The ongoing high surf has already caused significant damage to oceanside properties in other coastal communities. Long Beach and Newport Beach sustained damage, with waves impacting the Long Beach waterfront and damaging a boardwalk and homes in areas already affected by coastal erosion. Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson reported Saturday evening that eight structures across 13 addresses had been red-tagged, and another was yellow-tagged. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for homes in the 6400 and 6500 blocks of Seaside Walk in Long Beach, and an evacuation warning was issued for other Peninsula residents. In Newport Beach, the city closed the Newport Pier, Balboa Pier, and The Wedge (from the rock jetty to M Street) after Friday's flooding. These closures were implemented to protect public safety and prevent further damage to protective sand berms.
