A rare Category 1 storm named Hilary is poised to make landfall in Southern California on Sunday, bringing with it the potential for floods, strong winds, and heavy rainfall. As the storm approaches, residents are evacuating, parks and beaches are closing, and emergency responders are preparing for water rescues.
The National Hurricane Center has classified Hilary as a Category 1 storm with maximum winds of 80 miles per hour. It is currently moving north-northwest at a speed of around 21 mph and is located about 285 miles south-southeast of San Diego. Although the storm is expected to weaken to a tropical storm before reaching the US, it still poses a significant threat to the Southwest region. The hurricane center warns of “catastrophic and life-threatening” flooding.
The storm is forecasted to bring 3 to 6 inches of rain, with some areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches. Damaging winds are also expected, which could lead to power outages. The worst of the impact is anticipated on Sunday into Monday.
In response to the impending storm, California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for a large portion of Southern California. The state is mobilizing all available resources to prepare for and respond to the unprecedented storm.
The hurricane warning extends from Punta Abreojos to Cabo San Quintin in Mexico, along a 300-mile stretch of the Baja California Peninsula’s western shore. Flash and urban flooding are expected, particularly in the northern parts of the peninsula.
Even though Hilary is set to move north from Baja California into Southern California on Sunday afternoon, the effects will be felt earlier. The hurricane center advises completing preparations for flooding impacts as soon as possible, as heavy rainfall is likely to start well ahead of the storm’s center.
Parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona, which are not accustomed to heavy rain, could potentially receive a year’s worth of precipitation or more. Along the coast, large swells generated by the storm are expected to result in life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
The situation has prompted California to issue its first-ever tropical storm warning, extending from the state’s southern border to just north of Los Angeles. Hilary is projected to become “the wettest tropical cyclone in state history,” according to the governor’s office. As the storm approaches, both residents and authorities are taking all necessary precautions to minimize its impact and ensure public safety.