Climate & Environment

Rachel's remnants flood California, Nevada and Arizona, forcing closures

Officials in Newport Beach took emergency action as floodwaters hit the Balboa Peninsula, while about 70 runners were rescued from a flooded Utah race route.

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What happened

Remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel have caused coastal and inland flooding across Southern California, Nevada and the Southwest. Huge waves and high tides damaged homes and flooded streets, and floodwaters swept through the Las Vegas Valley.

Why it matters

The reports describe damaged homes and flooded roads along the coast and say the combined events underscore California's challenges ahead of a predicted strong El Niño winter.

Timeline

  1. Oct 10, 12:14 PM ET: Newport Beach declared a local emergency after flooding hit the Balboa Peninsula.
  2. Oct 10, 3:13 PM ET: San Diego was placed under a tropical storm watch, only the second time on record for the city.
  3. Oct 10, 6:20 PM ET: Southern Californians filled sandbags and fortified their homes as huge waves pushed into their communities.
  4. Oct 12, 1:36 PM ET: About 70 ultramarathon runners in Utah were evacuated after being stranded by flooding from the storm's remnants.
  5. Oct 13, 12:29 AM ET: Flooding forced closures in western Arizona that had not been seen in over 40 years.

Coverage

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