Tracking Hurricane Hilary’s Path: Threat to Southern California
By Gina Martinez
Updated on: August 18, 2023 / 5:04 AM / CBS News
Hurricane Hilary is expected to hit Southern California with heavy rainfall as early as this weekend after it makes its way up Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Forecasters have predicted that the storm will produce 3 to 6 inches of rainfall, with maximum amounts of 10 inches, across portions of Baja California through Sunday night, with the possibility of flash flooding.
Greg Postel, a hurricane and storm specialist at the Weather Channel, has warned of “damaging wind gusts,” especially at higher elevations, and swells along the coast. The storm, currently a “major” Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph, is moving west-northwest at 13 mph. It is expected to turn toward the northwest on Friday morning, followed by a turn toward the north-northwest and north on Saturday, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
The center of the storm will approach the Baja California peninsula over the weekend, and it is not expected to be a hurricane by the time it reaches California. However, it is set to impact the southwestern U.S. with heavy rainfall starting Friday through early next week, peaking on Sunday and Monday, according to the NHC.
Postel described the situation as rare and nearly unprecedented in the modern record for a tropical system to move through Southern California. The last time Southern California was hit by a tropical storm was in 1939, before storms were given names. While several storms that had been hurricanes or tropical storms have impacted the state since then, they had weakened to sub-tropical systems by that time.
The projected path of Hurricane Hilary shows that it could make landfall anywhere from the Baja California Peninsula to as far north as Santa Barbara, California. One model suggests that the heaviest rain will hit the Palm Springs area after the storm makes landfall.
David Parkinson, CBS
How are meteorologists and authorities monitoring the path of Hurricane Hilary in order to assess the potential threat it poses to Southern California?
Fornia, posing a potential threat to the region. The latest updates indicate that the hurricane’s path is being closely monitored.
As of August 18, 2023, at 5:04 AM, CBS News reports that Hurricane Hilary is looming towards Southern California. Measures are being taken to track its progress and prepare for any potential impact.
Residents and officials in the affected areas are urged to stay informed and stay prepared. It is crucial to have emergency plans in place, including evacuation routes and necessary supplies.
Meteorologists and authorities are closely monitoring Hurricane Hilary’s path, using advanced technology and satellite imagery to track its movement. These updates are essential for determining potential landfall locations and assessing the intensity of the storm.
Following the latest projections, it is critical for individuals in Southern California to heed any evacuation orders and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. This may involve securing loose objects, boarding up windows, and following recommendations from local authorities.
In conclusion, Hurricane Hilary’s path towards Southern California is being closely tracked, and actions are being taken to ensure public safety. Residents and officials should stay vigilant, stay informed, and make necessary preparations to mitigate the potential impact.
I hope everyone stays safe and prepared for the incoming weather.
Stay safe everyone! Make sure to have emergency supplies on hand and follow any evacuation orders.