Southwest U.S. recovering from Tropical Storm Rachel

See more Toronto Sun on Google — save as a Preferred Source

The southwestern United States and parts of Mexico are currently recovering from the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel, as authorities say the risk remains for flash floods, strong winds and harsh conditions.

Recommended Videos

Rachel was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone on Monday after slamming into the coast of southern California with tidal surges and huge waves, causing extensive damage in major urban centres such as Los Angeles and San Diego and triggering flash floods across the region and neighbouring states, per USA Today

Coastal homes have been so severely damaged they’ve become structurally unsafe and on the verge of collapsing into the ocean. Capistrano Beach resident Lauri Torres told ABC News she’s waiting with dread to see if her home will survive the damage, noting that houses in the neighbourhood were built on sand and are especially vulnerable to erosion.

“I came home, and on the 9th, we came in, and our deck was starting to cave,” Torres said. “And then I went to the neighbours two doors down and saw their entire deck was off. And I saw their deck the first day that it was off, the second day, their house fell. I mean, it happened that fast.”

Wild western weather

It’s not over yet. What’s left of Rachel has moved inland, lashing the southwestern U.S. desert with heavy rain and winds. News footage from Monday showed considerable flooding on the Las Vegas Strip.

The Weather Channel says flash flooding from southern California to Wyoming could continue into Tuesday, bringing as much as 12 centimetres of rain to the Los Angeles Basin, San Diego, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City.

Along with wet weather, heavy snow is predicted for the northern Rockies, and Hurricane Simon has neared Mexico’s Pacific coast. According to the U.S.’ National Hurricane Center, Simon is expected to remain a hurricane through midweek before moving inland and weakening. Still, authorities are urging locals to take shelter as Simon is expected to cause major damage in parts of Mexico and heavy rains and thunderstorms across Texas.

1. 

   Canada
2. 

   Celebrity
3. 

   Toronto Blue Jays
4. 

   Sunshine Girls
5. 

   Toronto & GTA