What is the location of the flooding?
As of October 11, 2026, the remnants of Post-Tropical Cyclone Rachel are bringing flooding to Southern California and the Desert Southwest after the storm moved over land early Sunday morning (1).
Along the Southern California coast, high tides, large surf, and onshore winds are flooding low-lying beaches, harbors, and coastal roads. Tides of around 8 feet on Sunday morning could approach or exceed recent record levels (2).
Further inland, heavy rain is causing flash flooding across desert, canyon, and mountain areas in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. Areas at highest risk include dry washes, slot canyons, low-water crossings, urban streets, and recently burned land. Flood watches also reach north into parts of Idaho as the storm's moisture moves through the region.
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
Flood alerts related to Rachel’s remnants are in effect for the following areas:
- Arizona: Bullhead City, Desert Hills, Dolan Springs, Flagstaff, Golden Valley, Kingman, Lake Havasu City, Meadview, Payson, Phoenix, Prescott, Sedona, Sunflower, Yucca
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California: Avalon, Barstow, Big Bear Lake, Blythe, Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coachella, Escondido, Indio, Long Beach (Alamitos Peninsula and Naples), Los Angeles, Malibu, Oceanside, Palm Springs, Palo Verde, Ripley, San Diego, Venice (Los Angeles), Victorville
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Idaho: Idaho Falls, Pocatello
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Nevada: Elko, Ely, Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas
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Utah: Cedar City, Provo, Salt Lake City, Springdale, St. George
National parks in the region, including Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef, are also at elevated risk. The Weather Channel advises visitors to cancel national park plans in the Southwest until Wednesday because of the threat of flash flooding and thunderstorms (3).
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
As of October 11, 2026, flooding from Rachel's remnants is ongoing, but conditions are expected to improve gradually from Sunday into early next week.
Along the coast, observed water levels have run as much as 1.5 feet above predictions in some areas, according to the National Hurricane Center. Seas and coastal flooding along the Southern California coast should subside from Sunday to Monday as the storm moves further inland (4).
Inland, rainfall over San Diego County and the surrounding mountains and deserts is tapering off from south to north, with lighter showers expected into Monday. Rain totals of 1 to 4 inches are likely across the interior Southwest, with pockets of 4 to 8 inches in mountainous terrain, keeping the risk of flash flooding elevated in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Idaho into Monday.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Multiple emergency alerts are in effect across the region. Alerts issued across the region include:
- Coastal flood warnings for the Malibu Coast, Los Angeles County beaches, Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, and the Orange and San Diego County coasts until 3 p.m. PDT Sunday, followed by a coastal flood advisory until 2 p.m. PDT Tuesday.
- Flash flood warnings with a considerable damage threat for the Las Vegas Valley, central and southwestern Mohave County in Arizona, the Blythe area, and the Sand Stone and Spring burn scars, including AZ Route 87 between mile markers 196 and 205.
- Flood watches for Southern California through Sunday evening, southern Nevada and northwest Arizona through late Sunday night, and Utah and southeast Idaho through Monday afternoon.
- A Level 3 of 4 flooding rain threat for southern Nevada, southwest Utah, and northwest Arizona, where numerous flash flood events are expected.
Residents near recently burned areas should move away from burn scars, as heavy rain may trigger debris flows, rockslides, and mudslides. Never drive around barricades or through flooded roads, and stay off beaches, coastal walkways, and rock jetties during high tide. Residents should follow directions from local emergency officials (5).
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
