Southern California is bracing itself as Hurricane Hilary, a historic hurricane, descends upon the region, leaving a trail of heavy rain and floods in its wake. This catastrophic event has prompted Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency for a large area of the state, as reported by CNN.
With the storm’s impending arrival, the state has swiftly mobilized over 7,500 personnel to ensure the safety of its residents. These dedicated individuals are working tirelessly to protect California from the devastating impact of Hurricane Hilary. As CNN states, the governor’s office has already implemented various response and recovery measures in preparation for the storm’s forecasted impacts.
Initially a Category 3 hurricane, Hurricane Hilary has weakened to a Category 2 storm as it makes its way into California. However, it remains a significant threat with maximum sustained winds of 110 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm has accelerated its pace and is currently moving at 17 mph, situated approximately 640 miles southeast of San Diego. As Hurricane Hilary heads north-northwest, it is likely to weaken further as it encounters colder waters on its path towards Southern California.
Residents in the Southwest region are now bracing themselves for what experts warn will be catastrophic and life-threatening flooding. This rare tropical storm is expected to unleash its worst effects on Sunday and Monday, delivering heavy rainfall ahead of its core of stronger winds. The National Weather Service in San Diego cautions that communities should prepare for the storm’s impact, which will be felt predominantly from Sunday morning through Sunday evening.
In response to the imminent threat, California has issued its first-ever tropical storm warning, covering a vast area from the state’s southern border to just north of Los Angeles. The region is anticipated to experience heavy rainfall leading up to early next week, with the most severe conditions expected on Sunday and Monday.
If Hurricane Hilary does make landfall in California as a tropical storm, it will be the first such storm to hit the state in nearly 84 years, making it a significant weather event. Parts of Southern California are under a high risk of extreme rainfall, an extremely rare Level 4 threat. According to Weather Prediction Center data, such high-risk situations have accounted for 83 percent of all flood-related damage and 39 percent of flood-related deaths, despite occurring on fewer than 4 percent of days per year on average.
The anticipated severe weather conditions have prompted Los Angeles County officials to take precautionary measures. All county parks, aquatic centers, beaches, playgrounds, bathrooms, and trails will be closed on Monday and Tuesday due to the threat of excessive rain and flooding. As a result, a Sunday event at the Hollywood Bowl featuring musical acts My Morning Jacket and Fleet Foxes has been rescheduled in collaboration with the parks department, ensuring the safety of attendees.
As Hurricane Hilary inches closer, Southern California remains on high alert, preparing for the worst while hoping for the best. The state continues to coordinate and mobilize resources to minimize the damage caused by this historic hurricane. By adhering to the official warnings and guidelines, residents can ensure their safety and resilience in the face of this natural disaster.
