Hurricane Hilary Approaches Mexico and Southwest US, California Prepares for Rare Tropical Storm
A powerful hurricane named Hilary is rapidly approaching Mexico and the southwestern United States, prompting authorities to issue warnings and make necessary preparations. With wind speeds reaching 130mph (215km/h), Hilary is currently classified as a Category 4 storm. The first landfall is predicted to occur in Baja California, Mexico, on Saturday morning. Experts forecast that the hurricane will gradually weaken and transform into a tropical storm as it moves northwest towards southern California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah.
This impending tropical storm is significant as it would mark the first time in over 80 years that California has been directly hit by such a weather system. Due to the potential risks associated with the storm, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has already stationed personnel and supplies in the affected areas, according to President Joe Biden. He urged residents in the storm’s path to take necessary precautions and closely follow guidance from state and local officials.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings about the potential for heavy rainfall in various areas, with some regions expected to receive between 3 to 10 inches (7-25cm) of rain. This intense precipitation could result in significant and rare impacts, including flash flooding. San Diego, for instance, is currently under a flash flood warning, and approximately 26 million people in the southwestern US are under flood watch.
Mexico has also been affected by Hilary, with heavy rains reaching southern parts of the country even before the storm intensified into a hurricane. The National Meteorological Service (SMN) in Mexico has reported these extreme weather conditions. The Mexican government has positioned 18,000 soldiers on standby to assist with any rescue and relief efforts.
Weather conditions are expected to worsen as Hilary approaches southern California. The NWS predicts that the hurricane will weaken to a tropical storm by late Sunday. However, heavy rainfall is anticipated until next Wednesday, raising concerns about the potential for catastrophic flooding in parts of the southwestern US.
The unprecedented nature of a tropical storm hitting California has led to several precautionary measures. Major League Baseball has rescheduled three games in southern California, and SpaceX has delayed a rocket launch from its central California base. In addition, the National Park Service has closed Joshua Tree National Park and Mojave National Preserve in California to prevent visitors from getting stranded in case of flooding.
Local officials across the region, including in Arizona, are offering sandbags to residents seeking to protect their properties from potential floodwaters. It is important to note that while hurricanes and tropical storms are relatively common in Mexico, it is exceedingly rare for such a weather system to make landfall in California. The last time southern California experienced a tropical storm was in Long Beach back in 1939.
The occurrence of severe and abnormal weather events in the US and other parts of the world has led experts to attribute them to human-caused climate change. Just recently, July 2023 was recorded as the hottest month on record, and devastating wildfires coupled with hurricane winds have wreaked havoc in Hawaii, resulting in numerous fatalities.
As the region braces for the impact of Hurricane Hilary, it is crucial to stay informed and prepared for the potential risks associated with this rare weather occurrence.
