US Faces Triple Threat from Tropical Storms on Both Coasts
Pacific and Atlantic systems bring potential for widespread rain, surf, and flooding to the United States.
The United States is confronting a significant weather challenge with multiple tropical systems impacting both its Pacific and Atlantic coastlines.
On the Pacific side, Tropical Storm Rachel is projected to approach northern Baja California and the northern Gulf of California this weekend, with potential for Tropical Storm Watches to be issued. Swells generated by Rachel are expected to increase along the Southern California coast, bringing the risk of life-threatening surf, rip currents, and coastal flooding through early next week. The storm's moisture is also anticipated to move inland, potentially causing flash flooding and high-wind gusts in the Southwest.
Further south along the Pacific, a separate system named Simon is rapidly intensifying. Forecasters anticipate Simon will become a hurricane by Thursday night and could make landfall on Mexico's west-central coast as a major hurricane by Saturday, bringing a Hurricane Warning for catastrophic winds, storm surge, and dangerous mudslides.
Meanwhile, the Atlantic coast is preparing for Hurricane Isaias, which strengthened into the first hurricane of the Atlantic season overnight. Isaias is currently surging toward the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Lifeguards in Long Beach, California, were seen packing sandbags as a precaution against potential storm impacts.