Tropical storm watch issued for San Diego County from Friday evening through Tuesday

The National Weather Service issued a tropical storm watch for San Diego County Oct. 9 through Oct. 13. Residents can expect heavy rainfall, high winds and powerful waves, potentially causing flooding and damage along the coastline.

High winds are expected to start Saturday evening, potentially causing localized power outages across Southern California, including San Diego, according to AccuWeather . The storm also could bring down trees and trigger flash flooding as heavy rain moves into the Southwest.

Tropical storm force winds of at least 34 mph are expected Sunday, Oct. 11, arriving as early as Saturday night, according to the National Weather Service . Coastal communities can expect six-to-ten-foot waves, heightening erosion risks. The agency warns “very strong winds will cause hazardous seas which could capsize or damage vessels.”

Tropical Storm Rachel is fueling this wet weather. As of Friday morning, Oct. 9, the storm is approaching San Diego from about 900 miles west of the southern tip of Baja California.

AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Roys warned that Rachel’s wind and heavy rain could cause flash flooding, downed trees and localized power outages across the southwest United States.