The story so far · 4 days, October 9 to 18, 2026
One Turn followed this story across 4 editions, from Long Beach, California on October 9, 2026. Newest first.
Dry, gusty Santa Ana winds in autumn often fuel destructive fires in Southern California. Los Angeles suffered devastating wildfires in early 2025.
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Fanned by Santa Ana winds, the Norte Fire destroyed homes and forced evacuations; it is one of 13 wildfires burning across the state.
Why it matters: Wind-driven fires are a growing threat to communities as the climate warms.
Sources: BBC Science · See it on the globe
Fanned by hot Santa Ana winds and unseasonable temperatures, the Norte Fire burned at least six homes in Orange County and prompted mandatory evacuation orders. It is one of 13 fires burning across California.
Sources: Al Jazeera, BBC Science, CBC News · See it on the globe
Flooding was reported in Long Beach and Newport Beach as Tropical Storm Rachel approached. The tropical storm warning is the first for San Diego County since Hurricane Hilary in 2023.
Why it matters: Tropical storm threats to Southern California are rare and test a region unaccustomed to them.
Sources: Los Angeles Times · See it on the globe
Flooding was reported in Long Beach and Newport Beach as forecasters issued a tropical storm warning. It is the first such warning for San Diego County since Hurricane Hilary in 2023.
Why it matters: Tropical storms rarely reach Southern California, so densely populated coastal areas are less prepared for such flooding.
Sources: Los Angeles Times · See it on the globe