Hurricane Hilary Brings Threat of Dangerous Flooding to Baja California and Southern California
Hurricane Hilary, a powerful storm, poses a significant risk of flooding and disruption in Baja California and Southern California. The storm has already claimed a life in Baja California Sur, Mexico, where a family was swept away while attempting to cross a stream. Pictures shared by Mexican officials showcase the extent of the flooding and the destruction caused along roads in the affected areas.
In the United States, Hurricane Hilary has caused flight cancellations and the rescheduling of sports games. However, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported a weakening trend as the hurricane moves towards the west-central coast of the Baja California peninsula. It is anticipated to further lose strength and transform into a tropical storm by the time it reaches southern California on Sunday.
Despite the expected weakening, the NHC expresses concerns over dangerous rains and coastal storm surges that might still occur. Some regions of Baja California and California are likely to experience up to 10 inches (25 cm) of rainfall, which could result in flash floods and urban flooding. The NHC’s latest advisory warns of potentially catastrophic flooding, particularly in northern parts of the peninsula.
Southern California and southern Nevada are also anticipating significant rainfall, ranging from 3 to 6 inches, with isolated areas experiencing up to 10 inches of rainfall. The NHC emphasizes the potential dangers associated with this rainfall, stressing that dangerous to catastrophic flooding is expected.
U.S. President Joe Biden has been briefed on the preparations for Hurricane Hilary and the collaboration between his team and state and local agencies in response to the storm. The White House affirms its commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and businesses.
In the Baja California peninsula, authorities have taken precautionary measures by canceling school and non-essential activities through Monday. Residents residing in high-risk zones in Tijuana, Mexico’s second-largest city, have been urged to move to temporary shelters.
Social media posts have shown distressing scenes of flash floods in Santa Rosalia, a coastal town in eastern Baja California. In Mulege, located approximately 30 miles (48 km) south, rescue operations are underway after a tragic incident where one person lost their life while crossing a stream. Mexico’s Navy and local firefighters have been actively involved in rescue efforts.
According to the NHC, as of 0600 GMT, Hurricane Hilary is situated around 450 miles south-southeast of San Diego. The storm is gradually moving north-northwest at a speed of almost 20 miles per hour (32 kph), with maximum sustained winds nearing 85 mph.
As a precaution, U.S. authorities have sounded warnings to citizens and businesses, encouraging them to take necessary precautions. San Diego International Airport has already canceled nearly 200 flights scheduled for Sunday, with an additional 184 flights canceled for Monday. The impact of the storm has also prompted major league baseball teams, the Los Angeles-based Dodgers and Angels, to reschedule their Sunday games to Saturday.
Major soccer teams in Los Angeles, including Los Angeles FC and LA Galaxy, have also postponed their Sunday matches due to the threat of heavy rains and potential flooding.
The officials are actively monitoring the situation and urge individuals in affected areas to stay updated with the latest advisories and follow safety guidelines. As Hurricane Hilary continues its path, the focus remains on minimizing the risks associated with flooding and ensuring the safety and well-being of communities within its reach.
