Southern California Gears Up for Unusual Tropical Storm Threat from Hurricane Hilary
Southern California is preparing for an unusual and rare threat as it braces for the remnants of Hurricane Hilary, which is expected to reach the area this weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm notice for the region, alerting residents and officials to the moderate-to-high risk of flash floods.
With Hilary classified as a Category 4 hurricane as of Friday afternoon, Orange County’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated and proactive measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the community. Rescue units, heavy equipment, sandbags, and maintenance staff are being mobilized to protect properties and support residents during the storm.
Coastal cities in Orange County have already issued alerts to residents on where to collect sandbags and have implemented precautions to safeguard businesses and residences along the shorelines. Officials are urging residents and businesses to sign up for emergency alert services and take advantage of city and county resources.
The National Weather Service warns that Sunday and Monday will be the most critical days, with heavy winds and substantial rainfall expected. The storm is predicted to bring gusts of up to 40 miles per hour and rainfall of 2½ to 3½ inches. This rare tropical storm event is deemed dangerous, and residents are advised to reconsider any outdoor plans for Sunday and Monday.
The last tropical storm to hit Southern California occurred in September 1939, making this weekend’s weather event highly unusual for the area. Although the storm is expected to be downgraded to a tropical storm upon landfall, it will still bring strong winds and warmer temperatures compared to the atmospheric rivers experienced last winter. There is also a chance of thunder and lightning, with waves potentially reaching heights of 8 to 10 feet.
City officials in Newport Beach have commenced efforts to rebuild sand berms near Balboa Pier and have placed additional berms between B Street and the Wedge. Storm drains have been cleared, and public works teams are prepared to address potential flooding. To ensure public safety, the Balboa Peninsula Trolley’s service will be canceled on Sunday.
While beaches are currently planning to remain open throughout the weekend, caution is advised for swimmers, bodyboarders, and surfers due to heavy surf and rip currents. Extreme caution should be exercised, and individuals are urged to stay off rock jetties.
Laguna Beach has also taken proactive steps, including prepositioning storm equipment such as generators, flood and evacuation signage. Similarly, Huntington Beach is inspecting and reinforcing its sand berm on Sunset Beach.
Several cities have already canceled outdoor concerts scheduled for this weekend as a precautionary measure.
Southern California Edison and its team of meteorologists are closely monitoring Hurricane Hilary. Additional personnel, including restoration and repair crews, have been positioned in areas expected to be most affected to respond quickly to any outages.
The storms are forecasted to clear out of Orange County by Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
In conclusion, Southern California is bracing itself for the rare threat of a tropical storm brought by the remnants of Hurricane Hilary. As officials and residents take proactive measures to ensure safety, it is crucial for everyone to remain cautious and heed the warnings issued by authorities.
