Southern California coastal communities brace for Tropical Storm Rachel impacts – CBS News

Southern California coastal communities brace for Tropical Storm Rachel impacts  CBS News

Southern California's coastal communities are bracing for high tide on Saturday morning as Tropical Storm Rachel is expected to bring damaging urban flooding, according to forecasters.The National Weather Service issued a Coastal Flood Warning through 3 p.m. Sunday for beach communities in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties, including Avalon on Catalina Island.Long Beach and Malibu were pointed out as particularly vulnerable communities likely to experience "damaging seawater flooding," the NWS said."For vulnerable south-facing beaches, seawater flooding can damage beach roads and structures, especially around the time of high tide. For all other beaches and harbors, shallow and minor seawater flooding can impact beaches and walkways," the NWS warning says.

"For all beach areas, significant erosion is expected. There is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore."CBS LA has issued a Next Weather Alert for Southern California's beaches in anticipation of the flooding.The worst of the flooding is expected on Sunday, the NWS said, due to rain chances and tidal enhancements caused by Tropical Storm Rachel.Currently, the most likely scenarios show Tropical Storm Rachel making landfall well south of the U.S.-Mexico border; however, the impacts would still be felt in the form