The National Weather Service placed the Inland Empire under a flood watch Friday, Oct. 9, ahead of Tropical Storm Rachel. The storm is expected to bring rainfall and strong winds to Riverside County beginning Sunday.

The flood watch, issued by NWS San Diego at 12:16 p.m., runs from Saturday, Oct. 10, at 11 p.m. through Sunday, Oct. 11, at 8 p.m. Affected areas include the Riverside County Mountains, San Gorgonio Pass near Banning, the Coachella Valley and San Bernardino County Mountains, according to the Press-Enterprise.

NWS San Diego warned that flooding from excessive rainfall is possible and that rivers, creeks and other low-lying areas could see excessive runoff.

Rachel was centered about 800 miles southwest of San Diego as of Friday morning with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, KTLA reported. Forecasters expect the storm to reach northern Baja California and Southern California late Saturday or early Sunday.

The Inland Empire could see heavier precipitation than much of the region. The National Weather Service estimated a 15% chance of excessive rainfall leading to flash flooding in areas including Riverside and San Bernardino counties, the Los Angeles Times reported. The highest chances of rain fall between Sunday morning and Monday night.

Ariel Cohen, NWS meteorologist-in-charge, told the Los Angeles Times that ocean swells "will bring coastal flooding concerns from any time from now through Tuesday, peaking on Sunday."

Caltrans District 8, which covers Riverside and San Bernardino counties, warned on X on Thursday, Oct. 8, that NOAA is forecasting rainfall, strong wind gusts and possible snowfall in the two counties beginning Sunday, Oct. 11. The agency urged drivers to prepare for wet and windy road conditions.

A separate flood watch issued by NWS Las Vegas covers Death Valley National Park and the Western Mojave Desert from Saturday, Oct. 10, at 5 p.m. through Monday, Oct. 12, at 5 a.m., the Press-Enterprise reported.

The NWS also warned, according to the Los Angeles Times, that the storm could damage porches, awnings, carports, sheds and unanchored mobile homes. Large tree branches could snap. Bridges and elevated roadways may see hazardous driving conditions.

Riverside County residents can sign up for emergency alerts at AlertRivCo.org and monitor Murrieta's Alert Center at murrietaca.gov/AlertCenter.aspx. Sandbags have been available at most local fire stations in Riverside County during past storms, according to Riverside County emergency management. Road closure updates are available at roads.dot.ca.gov or by calling 800-427-7623.