Hurricane Hilary: West Coast’s rare storm, all you need to know.
Severe Weather Warnings in Effect for Southern California
Get ready, Southern California! This week, we are in for some wild weather. Brace yourselves for potentially dangerous flooding and hazardous winds as Hurricane Hilary approaches the West Coast. The National Hurricane Center has issued severe weather warnings for certain parts of Southern California, including San Diego and Los Angeles.
Tropical Storm and Flash Flood Warnings
Friday night brought an unprecedented event – the first-ever tropical storm warning for our region, as announced by the National Hurricane Center. Hurricanes and tropical storms are rare in Southern California, making this an extraordinary occurrence.
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“Catastrophic and life-threatening flooding is likely over Baja California and the Southwestern U.S. through Monday,” warned the National Hurricane Center on Saturday.
What to Expect: Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
Let’s dive into what you need to know about the hurricane heading our way:
Regions Affected by Heavy Rainfall
Southern California and parts of the Southwest are bracing themselves for heavy rain and potential flooding. The National Weather Service in Los Angeles has issued warnings about “dangerous rip currents” and south swells ranging from four to 10 feet. The storm is expected to impact various areas, including San Diego, Los Angeles, Lake Havasu, Death Valley, Arizona, and Nevada. In fact, Death Valley could experience more than double its annual rainfall in just three days. Some parts of Southern California may see over 10 inches of rain, according to the Washington Post.
“Preparations for the impacts of flooding from rainfall should be completed as soon as possible, as heavy rain will increase beginning Saturday,” advised the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center.
Although Hilary is expected to weaken to a tropical storm by the time it reaches us, it is still anticipated to cause significant damage. As of Saturday morning, the hurricane has already weakened to a Category 3, with sustained winds of 125 miles per hour. It was previously a Category 4 on Friday.
Threat of Damaging Winds
While the rain is the primary concern for the Southwest, high winds also pose a significant threat. These strong winds have the potential to bring down powerlines and topple trees. Coastal areas and high elevations will likely be the most affected, with deserts and mountains experiencing possible wind gusts of over 70 miles per hour. Even metropolitan areas closer to the coast could see gusts reaching 40 to 50 mph.
Officials are urging residents to take precautions and prepare for possible power outages. Make sure to charge your devices and have multiple ways to receive emergency information.
If Hilary does make landfall as a tropical storm, it will be the first tropical storm to hit California in 84 years. The last tropical cyclone hit the West Coast in 1939, causing 93 deaths and millions of dollars in damages.
Stay safe and stay informed!
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.
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