Hurricane Simon and the remnants of Post-Tropical Storm Rachel threatened to bring torrential rain, dangerous coastal flooding and destructive surf to parts of western Mexico and the Southwestern United States in close succession. Rachel moved inland across northern Baja California late Saturday night, but dissipated over the Southwestern United States on Sunday morning. Its remnants were expected to continue producing heavy rain and gusty winds across the region, with the potential for significant flash flooding.
Hurricane Simon, described as an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm, was moving toward the coast of west-central Mexico and was expected to hug the coast later in the day. Forecasters said it remained uncertain whether Simon would make landfall, with even a small shift in its track potentially affecting how quickly it weakened. The remnants of Rachel brought flooding, debris flows and strong winds to parts of Southern California late Saturday, as the system moved inland across northern Baja California.
The National Weather Service had issued a tropical storm watch for San Diego County, only the second time the county had been placed under such a watch, following Hurricane Hilary in 2023. The watch was called off early Sunday. The system also brought relief from the recent brutal heat wave across parts of Southern California, dropping temperatures into the high 40s or low 50s Fahrenheit.
Rainfall rates could reach up to an inch an hour in some areas, with totals ranging from around half an inch to 1.25 inches across coastal areas, valleys and deserts, and up to 2.5 inches in the mountains, raising the risk of flash flooding. Coastal flooding and beach erosion were also possible, with high surf, strong rip currents and elevated tides adding to the risk. Surf was expected to reach five to eight feet, with some sets reaching nine feet.
Meanwhile, the Long Beach marathon went ahead as scheduled on Sunday, although the route was altered to avoid the bike path along the beach. City building inspection crews were assessing damage from waves washing water into low-lying homes and streets.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing