Tropical Storm Hilary Threatens Catastrophic Flooding in Southwest US

Tropical Storm Hilary Threatens Catastrophic Flooding in Southwest US

Tropical Storm Hilary poses a significant threat of catastrophic flooding in the southwestern United States, according to forecasters. Although no longer a hurricane, the storm is expected to bring heavy rain that could result in life-threatening flooding across a wide region. Hilary is currently located about 220 miles south-southeast of San Diego, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph and moving at 25 mph.

Cities in Mexico, including Ensenada and Tijuana, are directly in the path of the storm. Even though Hilary has weakened, meteorologists are warning that it remains dangerous. The storm has already caused one fatality in the Mexican town of Santa Rosalia, where a vehicle was swept away in an overflowing stream. Rescue workers managed to save four other people.

Forecasters are predicting that this storm will make history as the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years, bringing with it the potential for flash floods, mudslides, isolated tornadoes, high winds, and power outages. The authorities have issued an evacuation advisory for Santa Catalina Island, urging residents and beachgoers to leave the area.

Elizabeth Adams, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service San Diego office, warns that rain could fall up to 3 inches an hour across Southern California’s mountains and deserts, leading to widespread and life-threatening flash floods. California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, and officials have urged residents to complete their preparations before sundown on Saturday.

Tropical Storm Hilary is just the latest climate disaster to wreak havoc in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Last week, a wildfire devastated the town of Lahaina, making it the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century. In Canada, firefighters are battling the worst fire season on record.

Hilary has already brought heavy rain and flooding to Mexico and the southwestern U.S., and forecasters expect it to dump up to 10 inches of rain in some areas of southern California and southern Nevada. The storm continues to pose a significant flood threat, despite its weakening trend. Meteorologists also anticipate life-threatening surf and rip currents along Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Preparations are underway in Tijuana, where authorities have closed all beaches and set up storm shelters. Mexico’s navy has evacuated 850 people from islands off the Baja coast and deployed nearly 3,000 troops for emergency operations. In Southern California, the U.S. National Park Service has closed Joshua Tree National Park and Mojave National Preserve to prevent visitors from becoming stranded in flooding.

The White House has stated that President Joe Biden has been briefed on the latest preparedness plans. FEMA has officials stationed in California’s emergency preparedness office, with teams ready to provide assistance as needed.

As Tropical Storm Hilary continues its path towards the southwestern U.S., it is crucial for everyone in its path to take precautions and heed the guidance of state and local officials. The impact of this storm has the potential to be devastating, and the safety of residents should be the top priority.