Meteorologist Breaks Down Which Areas of the Southwest Should Brace for Heavy Rain
Tropical Storm Hilary has made landfall in Mexico and is now making its way into Southern California and the southwestern US, bringing with it the potential for catastrophic and life-threatening flooding. Meteorologists are warning residents in the affected areas to brace for heavy rain and strong winds.
As of 11 a.m. local time, Hilary had maximum sustained winds of 65 miles per hour and was about 215 miles south-southeast of San Diego. The storm is expected to intensify throughout the day, with the worst impacts expected to begin Sunday afternoon and last into Monday.
More than 9 million people, including those in downtown Los Angeles, are under a flash flood warning issued by the National Weather Service. Rainfall totals in Southern California’s highest terrain have already surpassed 2 inches, and the storm is forecasted to dump 3 to 6 inches of rain, with some areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for a large swath of Southern California to support hurricane response and recovery efforts. Nancy Ward, director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, has warned that this storm could be one of the most devastating to hit California in more than a decade.
Parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona that are unaccustomed to rain could suddenly receive a year’s worth or more. Along the coast, large swells generated by Hilary are likely to create life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
In addition to heavy rainfall and swollen surf, Hilary also brings the threat of isolated tornadoes in certain regions. State and local officials are urging residents to stay safe and stay home unless otherwise directed by safety officials. Evacuation orders have been issued for several communities, and residents in burn areas are particularly vulnerable to flash flooding and debris flows.
First responders have pre-positioned to respond quickly and perform water rescues from flooded areas. State and local officials are ready to respond, with thousands of boots on the ground deployed to assist with emergency efforts.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed and follow the guidance of local authorities. It is crucial to have emergency kits and essential devices on hand, and to ensure that all devices are charged in the event of a life-threatening emergency.Meteorologist Breaks Down Which Areas of the Southwest Should Brace for Heavy Rain
Tropical Storm Hilary has made landfall in Mexico and is now heading towards Southern California and the southwestern US, bringing with it the potential for “catastrophic and life-threatening flooding.” The storm is expected to intensify throughout the day, with heavy rain and strong winds already lashing parts of the region.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Hilary had maximum sustained winds of 65 miles per hour as of 11 a.m. local time. More than 9 million people, including those in downtown Los Angeles, are under a flash flood warning, as rainfall totals in Southern California’s highest terrain have already surpassed 2 inches.
The storm has already claimed one life in Mexico, where a person died when their vehicle was swept away near Santa Rosalía. Hilary weakened from a Category 1 hurricane to a tropical storm, but
How are emergency management agencies preparing for the potential catastrophic flooding and other hazardous conditions expected from Tropical Storm Hilary
Current meteorological reports indicate that Tropical Storm Hilary has reached Mexico and is now moving towards Southern California and the southwestern United States. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds, potentially leading to catastrophic and life-threatening flooding. Meteorologists are advising residents in the affected areas to prepare for these hazardous conditions.
At 11 a.m. local time, Hilary had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and was located approximately 215 miles south-southeast of San Diego. The storm is projected to become stronger throughout the day, with the most severe impacts expected to occur from Sunday afternoon through Monday.
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for over 9 million people, including those in downtown Los Angeles. Rainfall in Southern California has already exceeded 2 inches in the highest elevation areas, and the storm is predicted to bring an additional 3 to 6 inches, with some areas possibly receiving up to 10 inches of rain.
To support response and recovery efforts, California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for a large portion of Southern California. Nancy Ward, the director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, has warned that this storm could be one of the most devastating to hit the state in over a decade.
Regions of California, Nevada, and Arizona that are not accustomed to heavy rain could suddenly experience rainfall equivalent to an entire year’s worth or more. Additionally, the coastal areas are expected to face dangerous surf and rip currents due to large swells generated by Hilary.
Stay safe everyone! Praying for everyone’s well-being and for the rain to stop soon.
I hope everyone has taken the necessary precautions to stay safe during this challenging time.