Storm Rachel Brings Flooding Across Las Vegas and California

Floodwaters swept through streets near The LINQ Promenade in Las Vegas and damaged coastal areas of California on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, after Tropical Storm Rachel weakened inland, with officials warning residents about continuing flash flood risks and dangerous conditions.

The National Weather Service said Rachel was downgraded to a post-tropical storm after bringing heavy rain, flooding and damage across Southern California before moving into the desert Southwest. The agency warned remnants of the storm could continue producing rain and wind gusts.

In Las Vegas, flooding affected roads near East Flamingo Road and Koval Lane, where police blocked traffic and drivers were directed to alternate routes. The Regional Transportation Commission later reported lanes at Winnick Avenue and Koval Lane were open after Clark County Public Works crews cleared debris.

Fred, a local resident who encountered flooding while walking his dogs, described the normally paved area as transformed by rushing water.

"It looks like I'm by a river and it looks like the dogs are thinking that it's gonna be a time to go in," said Fred, a local resident.

Fred said he was surprised by the flooding because he had not noticed the rainfall before leaving home.

"I woke up, and I was getting ready to take the dogs out, and I was shocked because I didn't hear the rain last night," said Fred, a local resident.

The Regional Flood Control District said The LINQ garage was built in 1970 to allow water to pass through the first level of the parking structure during flooding conditions. Officials said they try to alert security when weather conditions could create similar situations.

"It’s interesting, and obviously you can see from the flow, it’s going to be flowing like this for a while," said Fred, a local resident.

Fred also recalled previous flooding in the area, including an incident where he helped rescue someone near a canal.

"The last time it did flood, I actually saved a woman down at the corner here. She was pinned up by the fence right over the canal," said Fred, a local resident.

Other Las Vegas residents said they received flood warnings and observed the conditions near The LINQ. Tiffany and Ryan said they stayed at The LINQ after getting married Saturday and saw flooding the next morning.

"I've seen on the news and a few other times that it does flood pretty bad out here, so I was like, 'hey, let me go down there and check it out.' Lo and behold, it is flooded out here," said Ryan, a Las Vegas resident.

Ryan said he viewed the storm as a temporary disruption while appreciating the rainfall in a normally sunny region.

"Vegas is great; don't get scared of the rain, because it's quick. It's hard and fast, it's quick and done, and just have fun after it's done," said Ryan, a Las Vegas resident.

Across California, heavy surf breached sand berms and partially submerged oceanfront homes in communities including Long Beach and Newport Beach. Flood warnings remained active along much of the coastline, from San Diego to the San Francisco Bay area, according to the National Weather Service.

California officials said preparations were underway for possible severe winter weather linked to a strong El Niño pattern. Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state was moving supplies and resources to protect communities and infrastructure.

"That means getting flood-fighting supplies into position, bolstering our water infrastructure, and helping communities across the Golden State prepare," said Gavin Newsom, governor of California.

The state said it was positioning more than 4 million sandbags, more than 50,000 feet of portable flood barriers and 400,000 tons of rock for potential flood response, while also inspecting dams and reinforcing coastal structures.

In Mexico, Hurricane Simon affected the Pacific Coast as a Category 4 hurricane over the weekend. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged residents to remain cautious as officials carried out evacuations.

"Precautionary evacuations to safe zones are ongoing. The priority is to protect ourselves," said Claudia Sheinbaum, president of Mexico.