Tropical storm Rachel causes significant damage in Long Beach, California

Tropical storm Rachel struck Southern California on October 11-12, 2026, causing severe infrastructure damage and coastal flooding in Long Beach. The storm's high winds and powerful waves leveled a century-old wooden boardwalk, particularly impacting the Alamitos Peninsula and the Seaside Walk area, where waves reached the second-story windows of residential properties.

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson reported that authorities have inspected the affected structures, resulting in eight buildings receiving "red-tag" status, rendering them unsafe for occupancy. An additional building was issued a "yellow-tag" status, allowing residents limited access to retrieve personal belongings. Floodwaters also breached residential streets and home interiors, leading to widespread property damage.

Authorities are currently monitoring the situation and evaluating the potential for further evacuation orders as additional weather instability is forecasted for the region. Emergency responders and city officials are continuing to assess the structural integrity of the impacted coastal zone.