Post tropical storm Rachel causes flooding and coastal damage in Southwest

Post-Tropical Cyclone Rachel battered homes across Southern California over the weekend and brought flash flooding to Las Vegas. The BBC reported that large waves generated by the storm hit coastal properties, while floodwaters reached knee-deep levels in parts of Nevada. [1][2]

In Long Beach, California, heavy surf battered beachfront homes, leaving several properties at risk of collapse, according to the BBC. Ocean waves and high winds damaged coastal beaches and residential structures as the storm moved inland, the Washington Post reported. [1][3][4]

The storm system also caused significant water damage in Las Vegas, Nevada. The BBC and the New York Times both reported that severe flash flooding covered areas near the Las Vegas Strip. Yahoo reported that emergency situations occurred, including a driver who became trapped on top of a vehicle during the flood. [1][5][6]

The storm was part of the 2026 Pacific hurricane season, which officially began on May 15 and ends on November 30. Southern California contains a densely populated coastal region that includes Greater Los Angeles and San Diego County. Las Vegas is the county seat of Clark County and the most populous city in Nevada. [7][8][9]