Tropical Storm Rachel downgraded; Isaias remnants cause flooding in US

The National Weather Service announced on Sunday that Tropical Storm Rachel has been downgraded to a post-tropical storm. The system caused flooding and damage in southern California over the weekend before moving inland across the desert southwest. Despite the downgrade, the region remains at risk of flash floods as the storm's remnants continue to bring rain and wind gusts. High surf is also expected to continue battering coastal communities.

California Coastal Damage and El Niño Preparations

Heavy surf breached sand berms in coastal cities such as Long Beach and Newport Beach, partially submerging oceanfront homes. Flood warnings remained in effect for much of the California coastline, from San Diego to the San Francisco Bay area. As the storm moved inland, rockslides temporarily blocked roads, and Las Vegas broke a daily rainfall record on Sunday. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for much of Utah, including Salt Lake City.

Forecasters warned that Rachel may be a preview of the coming winter, which is expected to feature the strongest El Niño weather pattern on record. This pattern brings hotter-than-average ocean temperatures and is likely to cause record rainfall, explosive surf, and mudslides. In response, California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an emergency proclamation last month to release resources for infrastructure protection and resident education.

"That means getting flood-fighting supplies into position, bolstering our water infrastructure, and helping communities across the Golden State prepare," Newsom said in a statement.

The state is pre-positioning more than 4 million sandbags, more than 50,000 feet of portable flood barriers, and 400,000 tons of rock for levee repairs. Meanwhile, Hurricane Simon lashed Mexico's Pacific Coast as a Category 4 hurricane over the weekend. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged residents to stay indoors, noting that precautionary evacuations were ongoing.

Isaias Remnants Impact North Carolina

In North Carolina, heavy rain from the remnants of Hurricane Isaias caused flooding, landslides, and evacuations in McDowell County. The Catawba River reached its banks near Marion, leading to the evacuation of River Breeze Campground and flooding parts of the Marion-McDowell Airport. Officials reported no injuries or deaths in the county.

Severe weather also swept through the Triangle region, bringing reports of tornadoes, overturned cars, and damaged roofs. The National Weather Service issued 15 tornado warnings in Central North Carolina, covering 31 counties. By mid-afternoon, these warnings had expired. Meteorologist Laura Helock of the National Weather Service Raleigh stated that teams were surveying areas to confirm damage reports, including preliminary tornado damage near the Raleigh-Durham International Airport and southwest of Rolesville.

In eastern North Carolina, a tornado was confirmed in Chinquapin and Beulaville. In Fayetteville, reports of tornado damage included cars shifted and overturned shopping carts in a Sam's Club parking lot. The Fayetteville Fire Department assessed damage to a hotel and an 18-wheeler turned on its side. About 3,000 power outages were reported as of 3 p.m., with the highest concentration in Cumberland County.

Storm History and Safety Warnings

Isaias is the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season. It made landfall in the northern Gulf Coast near Destin, Florida, on Friday night as a Category 2 storm before weakening to a post-tropical cyclone. At least four people have died due to the storm, two in Alabama and two in Florida, according to CBS News.

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein issued a prepared statement warning residents to stay off the roads when possible. "North Carolinians, please pay attention to your local news for the latest updates and follow instructions from your local emergency management and public safety officials," Stein wrote. He advised residents to keep emergency kits handy and ensure emergency alerts are turned on.

The National Weather Service expects dry conditions in Raleigh from Monday through Saturday, with temperatures climbing into the upper 80s and near 90 degrees by midweek.

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Sources

• npr.org: Tropical Storm Rachel downgraded as high winds and rain turn inward : NPR
• wlos.com: PHOTOS: Isaias’ flooding and landslides in McDowell County prompt evacuations
• yahoo.com: Reports of tornadoes, downed trees as Isaias remnants leave damage across Central NC

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.