Hurricane Hilary Threatens Southwestern US with Flooding Rainfall
Concern is growing as Hurricane Hilary approaches the southwestern US and parts of California, with the potential to unleash a prolific amount of flooding rainfall. The storm, currently a powerful Category 4 hurricane, is expected to bring more than a year’s worth of rain to parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona. This has prompted a rare Level 4 of 4 threat for excessive rainfall in Southern California, the first ever to be issued for this region.
Hilary, located about 325 miles south of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, is forecasted to remain a Category 4 hurricane as it approaches Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Forecasters have issued hurricane and tropical storm warnings and watches for Baja California, including the Los Angeles area, as well as northwest Mexico.
The storm’s track and intensity remain uncertain, with small deviations potentially changing the forecast for the most intense rain and wind. However, the hurricane is moving faster than expected, meaning impacts in Mexico and California are expected sooner than initially predicted. The National Hurricane Center projects that Hilary’s core will be near the central portion of Baja California on Saturday night and move inland over southern California by Sunday night.
While Hilary is more likely to make landfall in Mexico and cross into California, if it does make landfall in California as a tropical storm, it would be the first such storm to do so in nearly 84 years. The National Hurricane Center issued the first-ever tropical storm watch for parts of Southern California, which was later changed to a warning.
Regardless of its strength, Hilary is expected to substantially weaken before reaching Southern California and parts of the Southwest. However, the storm will still enhance heavy rainfall and increase the risk of flooding. Heavy rainfall is expected to begin impacting the Southwest on Saturday and continue through early next week, with the most intense downpours likely on Sunday and Monday.
The potential for excessive rainfall is a significant concern, as high risks are responsible for the majority of flood-related damage and deaths. Southern parts of California and Nevada could receive 3 to 5 inches of rain, with isolated amounts of up to 10 inches. Central parts of these states, as well as western Arizona and southwest Utah, are expected to receive 1 to 3 inches of rain.
Areas such as Death Valley, California, which typically receive minimal rainfall, could see enough rain from Hilary to equal one to two years’ worth of precipitation in a single day. Las Vegas could also receive 2 to 4 inches of rain, significantly more than its average annual rainfall of 3.75 inches.
The prolonged rain may oversaturate the ground and overwhelm waterways, worsening the flood threat. Mojave National Preserve, located on the California-Nevada border, has been closed until further notice due to possible flooding from the storm.
Residents across Southern California, from San Diego to Los Angeles, are preparing for potential deluges, with flood watches in effect for the weekend. The National Weather Service in Los Angeles has also warned of high surf, rip currents, and coastal flooding. Local authorities are taking measures to protect vulnerable populations, such as the homeless community, and are ready to respond to any emergencies.
As Hurricane Hilary approaches, the Atlantic is also gearing up for increased tropical activity. Four separate areas of concern stretch across the entire basin, with one area in the Gulf of Mexico posing an immediate threat to the United States. The area may develop into a tropical depression by the middle of the week.
As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for residents in the affected areas to stay informed and follow any evacuation or safety instructions issued by local authorities.
What are the potential impacts of Hurricane Hilary on Southern California on Sunday?
Likely to occur on Sunday.
The potential for excessive rainfall has led to widespread concern among residents and authorities in the affected areas. Southern California, in particular, is bracing for significant flooding, with the rare Level 4 threat highlighting the severity of the situation. This threat level has never been issued before for this region, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
The uncertainty surrounding Hilary’s track and intensity adds to the anxiety. Even small deviations in its path could result in significant changes to the forecasted rainfall and wind patterns. However, one thing is clear – the storm is moving faster than initially expected. As a result, residents of Mexico and California can expect the impacts of Hilary to be felt earlier than anticipated.
Hilary is currently a powerful Category 4 hurricane and is expected to maintain this strength as it approaches Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Hurricane and tropical storm warnings and watches have been issued for several areas, including the Los Angeles area and northwest Mexico.
While Hilary is more likely to make landfall in Mexico and cross into California, the possibility of it directly hitting California should not be ruled out. In fact, if this were to happen, it would be the first time in nearly 84 years that a tropical storm has made landfall in California. The National Hurricane Center initially issued a tropical storm watch for parts of Southern California, which was later upgraded to a warning.
Despite the potential weakening of Hilary before it reaches Southern California, the storm is still expected to bring heavy rainfall and increase the risk of flooding. The Southwest will start experiencing heavy rainfall on Saturday, with the most intense downpours expected on Sunday and through early next week.
As residents and authorities prepare for Hurricane Hilary, it is crucial to stay updated with the latest forecasts and heed any evacuation orders or warnings issued by local authorities. The impacts of this storm have the potential to be significant, and taking necessary precautions can help keep individuals and communities safe during this challenging time.
