Hurricane Hilary nears Mexico, California; catastrophic flooding fears
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Hurricane Hilary was headed for Mexico's Baja California on Saturday as the US National Hurricane Center predicted "catastrophic and life-threatening flooding" for the peninsula and the southwestern United States.
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This GOES-17 taken at 3:30 p.m. EDT, Thursday, July 23, 2020, shows Hurricane Douglas, right, churning in the Pacific Ocean heading towards Hawaii, left. (NOAA via AP)
Hurricane Hilary is anticipated to make its way into the Baja California area on Saturday evening, appearing as a formidable hurricane, before eventually reaching southern California as an unusual tropical storm on Sunday. The forecast has brought forth warnings of perilous flooding scenarios.
The most recent forecast from the National Hurricane Center, issued on Saturday morning, highlighted the risk of "catastrophic and life-threatening flooding" attributed to the storm until Monday. Residents were alerted to anticipate heavy rainfall preceding the storm's core.
The forecast further urged preparedness against flooding impacts due to substantial rain in the southwestern United States. Flash, urban, and arroyo flooding were anticipated, with potentially hazardous and locally catastrophic consequences from tonight through Monday.
Currently classified as a Category 4 storm with winds reaching up to 130 mph, Hurricane Hilary is situated approximately 240 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of the Baja peninsula.
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While the storm's intensity is projected to diminish, it is expected to maintain hurricane strength upon reaching the coast of the Baja California peninsula. As it approaches southern California, it's predicted to weaken to a tropical storm, marking the region's first encounter with such conditions in 84 years.
Precautions are underway, with schools in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, being set up as temporary shelters and various regions preparing sandbags to protect against potential floodwaters.
President Joe Biden conveyed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has readied resources and personnel in the area. He encouraged everyone in the storm's path to heed guidance from state and local authorities.
Southern California officials are also taking proactive measures, reinforcing sand berms to protect coastal communities and distributing sandbags to residents. The storm's anticipated heavy rainfall in the southwestern United States is forecasted to range from 3 to 6 inches, with isolated areas receiving up to 10 inches, potentially leading to exceptional levels of rain and the risk of significant flooding.
