Hurricane takes massive turn toward California as major city braces

Hurricane Rachel has taken a sharp turn toward Southern California and forecasters say it could arrive early Sunday as a weaker, post-tropical storm.

The current forecast shows it coming ashore about 100 miles south of San Diego, but the path could shift as far north as Orange County.

Residents in Southern California and the desert communities should start watching for updates, forecasters said.

The National Weather Service says a large weather system moving in from the northwest will push Rachel off course.

“This will cause Rachel to slow down and then turn and accelerate toward Baja California and southern California,” the agency said in its latest advisory.

The storm is expected to lose strength along the way. Forecasters say cooler ocean water and dry air should gradually weaken it before it arrives.

The NWS added that the forecast could change a lot in the coming days, so the exact landfall spot and timing are still uncertain.

The agency issued a beach hazards statement and a coastal flood advisory for San Diego County early Wednesday. Waves are expected to average 3 to 5 feet, with sets reaching up to 6 feet. 

San Diego lifeguards have increased staffing and are on high alert due to dangerous high surf, powerful rip currents triggered by Hurricane Rachel, reports CBS News.

While the storm itself is hundreds of miles offshore, its long-period swells are bringing dangerous coastal conditions that coincide with an intense regional heatwave.

“Flooding of beach parking lots, boardwalks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected. Minor coastal erosion is also expected. Additionally, elevated surf will lead to strong rip currents,” the advisory read. 

Hurricane Polo wreaked havoc across Mexico and Southern California last month. Dramatic videos circulating on social media showed the impact in Acapulco, where enormous waves slammed into the coastline as fierce winds whipped across the waterfront.

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