Hurricane Hilary Poses Significant Threat of Flooding and Damaging Winds in Southern California
Southern California is bracing itself for the impending arrival of Hurricane Hilary, which is expected to make landfall on Sunday as a rare tropical storm. This powerful storm is likely to bring heavy downpours, fierce winds, and the risk of catastrophic flooding to the region. As a result, residents are being advised to evacuate, parks and beaches are being closed, and first responders are preparing for potential water rescues.
As of 5 a.m. local time on Sunday, Hurricane Hilary is classified as a Category 1 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 80 miles per hour. It is currently located approximately 285 miles south-southeast of San Diego and is moving at a speed of around 21 mph in a north-northwest direction.
The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane warning for a 300-mile stretch along the western shore of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, from Punta Abreojos to Cabo San Quintin. According to the center, flash and urban flooding, which could be locally catastrophic, is expected in the northern portions of the peninsula, with rainfall totals ranging from 3 to 6 inches and possibly even reaching 10 inches in some areas.
Although Hurricane Hilary is predicted to weaken into a tropical storm before reaching the United States, it is still anticipated to have a significant impact on the Southwest. The hurricane center has warned of catastrophic and life-threatening flooding in the region, along with damaging winds that could cause power outages. The worst of the storm is expected to occur from Sunday into Monday.
In response to the potential devastation, California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for a large area of Southern California. The state government is mobilizing all necessary resources to prepare for and respond to this unprecedented storm.
In preparation for Hilary’s arrival, residents in certain areas have been ordered to evacuate. These include communities in San Bernardino County such as Oak Glen, Forest Falls, Mountain Home Village, Angelus Oaks, and Northeast Yucaipa. Additionally, visitors and some residents of Catalina Island have been strongly encouraged to leave the island prior to the storm.
The risk of isolated tornadoes also accompanies Hurricane Hilary. The lower Colorado River Valley, Mojave Desert, and Imperial Valley regions may experience tornadoes from mid-morning through the evening on Sunday, according to the hurricane center.
One concern in California is the impact of heavy rainfall on areas that are typically dry or have recently experienced wildfires. Burn scars from previous fires can create a smooth surface where water and debris can flow rapidly, increasing the risk of flash flooding and debris flows. Therefore, authorities are closely monitoring these areas and urging residents to take necessary precautions.
The approaching storm has already caused disruptions across California. State beaches in Orange and San Diego counties have been closed, the US Navy is relocating ships and submarines, parks and beaches in Los Angeles County have been shut down, and Major League Baseball has made changes to its schedule. Furthermore, a concert featuring My Morning Jacket and Fleet Foxes at the Hollywood Bowl has been postponed.
Southern California Edison, the electricity utility serving over 15 million people in the region, has warned of power outages due to the storm. The company is prepared to respond to outages and advises residents to gather essential supplies such as flashlights, external battery chargers, and ice chests.
As Hurricane Hilary approaches, it is crucial for residents to stay informed, follow evacuation orders, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The storm’s impact is expected to be significant, and everyone must remain vigilant during this challenging time.
