Tropical Storm Hilary Forms, Potential Impacts to Western US
Tropical Storm Hilary has formed southwest of Mexico and is expected to pass along Mexico’s Baja Peninsula before potentially bringing impacts to western parts of the United States. While it is still too early to determine the magnitude of rainfall and wind impacts to the US, forecasters at the National Hurricane Center have warned that the storm is expected to rapidly intensify.
By Thursday afternoon, Hilary is projected to become a hurricane and could potentially strengthen to at least a Category 3 hurricane with winds of at least 111 mph over the next two to three days as it moves over the Pacific Ocean. Currently, the storm is located about 390 miles south of Manzanillo, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph.
Although the storm is forecast to weaken as it crosses cooler water off the central and northern Baja Peninsula, it still has the potential to bring significant impacts to portions of California and the southwest. Climate scientist Daniel Swain from the University of California at Los Angeles has warned that “multiple years’ worth of precipitation” could potentially fall in some of California’s driest areas.
Due to the uncertain forecast, a wide range of outcomes is still possible as Hilary moves parallel to the Baja Peninsula. Small deviations in the storm’s track could lead to significant shifts in rainfall amounts and impacts. The San Diego National Weather Service has stated that this storm has the potential to be a very high impact event for portions of Southern California. They also noted that there is still uncertainty in the forecast, and more details on the exact timing, location, and magnitude of impacts will be provided in the coming days.
CNN’s Aya Elamroussi contributed to this report.
What are the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Hilary on the western United States?
Tropical Storm Hilary: A Potential Force of Nature Headed Towards Western US
Hold onto your hats, folks! Tropical Storm Hilary has just emerged southwest of Mexico and is causing quite a stir. This powerful storm has its sights set on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula but could pack a nasty punch for parts of the western United States too. The good folks over at the National Hurricane Center are keeping a close eye on Hilary as it threatens to rapidly intensify.
Right now, Hilary is just a fledgling storm, but don’t let that fool you. By Thursday afternoon, forecasters predict it will transform into a full-blown hurricane, with the potential to become a Category 3 behemoth boasting winds of at least 111 mph. Yikes! It’s currently hovering around 390 miles south of Manzanillo, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph.
While it’s expected to weaken a bit as it crosses some cooler water near the Baja Peninsula, don’t breathe a sigh of relief just yet. Hilary still has plenty of firepower to wreak havoc on California and the southwestern United States. Climate scientist Daniel Swain even warned that California’s already dry areas could be hit with “multiple years’ worth of precipitation.” Talk about too much of a good thing!
But here’s the twist: the forecast for Hilary is far from certain. There’s a wide range of possible outcomes as this storm dances parallel to the Baja Peninsula. Even slight changes in its path could mean the difference between a sprinkling of rain and a torrential downpour. The San Diego National Weather Service is cautioning that Hilary has the potential to be a seriously high-impact event for parts of Southern California. So, buckle up and stay tuned for more updates in the coming days.
CNN’s Aya Elamroussi contributed to this report.
Oh no, I hope everyone in the affected areas stays safe and takes the necessary precautions. Mother Nature can be unpredictable!