Tropical Storm Hilary Leads to Severe Flooding and School Closures in Southern California
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California experienced severe flooding and school cancellations as Tropical Storm Hilary made its way through the region. This was the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years, bringing heavy rainfall to areas that typically experience arid conditions. The storm caused rescues from swollen rivers and prompted the closure of some of the nation’s largest school districts.
Hilary unleashed heavy rain across Southern California, with some mountain and desert areas receiving more than half of an average year’s worth of rainfall in just a few days. Palm Springs, a popular desert resort city, recorded nearly 3 inches of rain by Sunday evening.
Forecasters issued warnings of dangerous flash floods across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Fire officials were forced to rescue 13 people from knee-deep water in a homeless encampment along the rising San Diego River. Additionally, roads were washed out and some cars were left stranded in standing water. Crews had to pump floodwaters out of the emergency room at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage.
Tropical Storm Hilary initially made landfall in Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, south of Ensenada. As it moved northward, it continued to weaken. However, the threat of heavy rain and strong winds persisted. Richard Pasch, a hurricane specialist at the National Hurricane Center, stated that the storm would likely become a post-tropical cyclone on Monday but would still bring significant rainfall and strong winds.
The impact of Tropical Storm Hilary on education was significant, with school closures across the region. The Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest school system in the nation, announced the closure of all campuses on Monday. Other districts in the area followed suit. San Diego schools postponed the start of classes from Monday to Tuesday.
Superintendent Alberto Carvalho emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety of students and employees. The inability to assess buildings and determine access to schools made it nearly impossible to open them. As a result, school closures were necessary to ensure the well-being of everyone involved.
In addition to the challenges posed by Tropical Storm Hilary, Southern California experienced an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.1 near Ojai, about 80 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The earthquake was followed by smaller aftershocks, but there were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries.
Tropical Storm Hilary is yet another climate-related disaster to affect North America. The island of Maui in Hawaii is still recovering from a devastating wildfire that claimed over 100 lives and destroyed the historic town of Lahaina. Similarly, Canada is grappling with its worst fire season on record.
As the storm approached Mexico, it caused significant damage and loss of life. One person drowned in the Mexican township of Mugele, and several others had to be rescued. Mexican army troops deployed to the affected areas to assist with clearing roads and restoring power.
The impact of Tropical Storm Hilary serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of extreme weather events. As climate change continues to amplify the frequency and intensity of such storms, communities must adapt and take appropriate measures to protect themselves and minimize the damage caused by these natural disasters.
Overall, Tropical Storm Hilary brought widespread flooding and school closures to Southern California. While the storm is expected to weaken, the threat of heavy rain and strong winds remains. It is crucial for residents to stay vigilant and follow the guidance of local authorities to stay safe during this disruptive weather event.
