Los Angeles Coast: Flooding Risk Rises Next Week

Los Angeles, CA – Hurricane Rachel will remain offshore and will not make landfall in California, but its swells are expected to bring coastal hazards to Southern California.

According to the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard, Rachel will move into a favorable position for southerly swells to reach the California coast. Elevated surf, strong rip currents and coastal flooding are the primary concerns.

The NWS expects elevated surf of 3 to 6 feet or higher along south-facing shores. Strong and dangerous rip currents are also likely, creating hazardous conditions for swimmers and other beachgoers.

Coastal flooding could become another concern as the swells interact with high tides. The weather service expects tides of 6.0 to 6.7 feet MLLW, about 0.75 to 1 foot above astronomical predictions.

The risk of minor to moderate coastal flooding is expected to be highest Tuesday through Friday, Oct. 6-9, when surf and tides are forecast to peak.

The NWS said those coastal impacts are likely to be less significant than those associated with Hurricane Marie but could potentially exceed impacts from Hurricane Polo.

Rachel itself is not forecast to strike California. The National Hurricane Center forecast displayed by the NWS keeps the storm well offshore as it tracks west-northwest over the eastern Pacific.

Rain is also not expected to be a widespread impact from Rachel in the Los Angeles area. The NWS lists a low chance of afternoon mountain thunderstorms Saturday through Monday and a very low chance of showers elsewhere.

Beachgoers should monitor updated surf and coastal flood information and follow lifeguard directions as Rachel's swells reach Southern California.