Los Angeles Successfully Defends Against Hurricane Hilary with Zero Traffic Fatalities
The city of Los Angeles has emerged triumphant in its battle against Hurricane Hilary, boasting an impressive record of zero traffic fatalities despite experiencing the heaviest rainfall in a year. The careful preparations and urgent calls for residents to stay home seem to have paid off, as data from the California Department of Transportation reveal a 30% decrease in freeway traffic during the peak of the storm compared to the previous Sunday.
Downtown Los Angeles received a staggering amount of rain on August 20 when Hurricane Hilary made landfall as a tropical storm. The rainfall measured 2.48 inches, surpassing the 2.29 inches recorded on February 24 during one of California’s 31 atmospheric rivers. The city’s preparedness for this deluge was far more effective than that of San Francisco, which experienced significant flooding on New Year’s Eve due to inadequate readiness. Angry residents blamed San Francisco Mayor London Breed for the lack of preparedness, while meteorologists had issued flood warning three days prior to the storm.
Tragically, the New Year’s Eve storm proved fatal for Northern California, catching many off guard with its intensity. Three motorists lost their lives in floodwaters near breached levees in Sacramento County, a man was killed by a falling tree in Santa Cruz, and another man’s body was discovered in an overflowing creek in San Jose.
In contrast, Los Angeles avoided any storm-related deaths within city limits, including traffic-related fatalities. The Los Angeles Police Department reported no such incidents, with the total number of traffic collisions resulting in fatalities averaging around 312 in a year. The absence of casualties during Hurricane Hilary is a testament to Mayor Karen Bass’s efforts in raising awareness and urging the public to prioritize safety. Two days before the storm hit, Mayor Bass emphasized the importance of remaining safe, staying at home, and staying informed.
Although Los Angeles escaped the worst effects of Hurricane Hilary, certain areas were still heavily impacted. In the Seven Oaks region of the San Bernardino National Forest, floodwaters washed away homes, resulting in the disappearance of a resident. The Coachella Valley also suffered considerable damage, with mudslides trapping residents and necessitating the rescue of 46 people. The repairs required in Death Valley might take months before the national park can reopen.
Meteorologists faced challenges in accurately predicting Hurricane Hilary’s path, but the storm veered slightly eastward, saving Los Angeles from a direct hit. Had the path shifted to the west, the city could have experienced more severe repercussions. Despite the uncertainty, it is crucial to note that the lack of reported deaths in Los Angeles highlights the effectiveness of the city’s preparedness measures.
In conclusion, Los Angeles triumphed over Hurricane Hilary with zero traffic fatalities and demonstrated commendable preparedness in the face of extreme weather conditions. The success of urging residents to stay home and the significant decrease in freeway traffic during the storm are testaments to the city’s ability to mitigate potential dangers. Although some areas endured damage and one person remains missing, Los Angeles has set an example in handling challenging situations with resilience and proactive measures.
