Topline:
Southern California is in for a dose of rain this weekend from Tropical Storm Rachel, plus a cooldown, right on the heels of the latest sweltering heat wave. The storm is also driving elevated sea levels, coastal erosion and dangerous surf.
Rain: Forecasters say the rain will start late Saturday. The chance of showers will be highest on Sunday and Monday, but will continue through Tuesday. Most of L.A. and Ventura counties could get up to a half inch of rain. Orange County and the region’s mountains could get up to an inch. The rain is being driven by Tropical Storm Rachel, which will pass over the San Diego area and northern Baja California late Saturday night and early Sunday.
Coastal impacts: Waves are already battering the Southern California coast as surging surf from Rachel combines with elevated sea levels from an El Niño-driven Kelvin wave. Newport Beach and Laguna Beach saw flooding Friday, according to news reports. Coastal flood warnings and advisories are in place through Tuesday for L.A., Orange and Ventura county coastlines. The flood risk will remain high throughout the weekend and early next week, but will be worse on Sunday and during high tides. Beaches will also see dangerous waves and rip currents.
On the Long Beach Peninsula: LAist correspondent Jill Replogle reported from the boardwalk on Friday that workers were piling sand to try to keep the waves from coming through and causing further damage. But tides were high earlier in the day and are expected to be over 7 feet this weekend. All the recent erosion, flooding and other damage raises questions about the long-term future of the peninsula…