In 50 years Hurricane Hilary prompted an unprecedented tropical storm warning for California for first time, as the Southwest braces for severe rain and flooding.

As Hurricane Hilary gains momentum and barrels towards the southwestern United States, an unprecedented and historic event is unfolding: the issuance of a tropical storm warning for Southern California. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has upgraded the warning after initially issuing a tropical storm watch, marking the first-ever instance of such a warning in the region's history. This rare and dangerous occurrence is set to bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and potentially catastrophic conditions to areas not accustomed to such tropical weather systems.

The Unusual Threat of Hurricane Hilary

Hurricane Hilary, classified as a Category 4 hurricane, is a formidable force that's predicted to unleash its fury on the southwestern U.S. While the storm is expected to weaken as it moves north from Mexico, its remnants are projected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to parts of California. Experts are emphasizing the rarity of this event; Greg Postel, a hurricane and storm specialist at the Weather Channel, highlights that the movement of a tropical system like Hilary through Southern California is nearly unprecedented in the modern record.

As of Friday night, Hurricane Hilary was located about 285 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph. The storm is moving at a speed of 13 mph. The NHC has issued warnings of potentially life-threatening and catastrophic flooding over much of Baja California and the Southwestern U.S. for the upcoming weekend and early next week.

Uncharted Territory: Tropical Storm Warning for Southern California

The issuance of a tropical storm warning for Southern California marks a pivotal moment in the region's weather history. This warning covers a significant portion of Southern California, including San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles counties, along with California's Catalina Island. This unprecedented step underscores the severity of the impending threat and the necessity for residents and officials to be prepared for the potential impacts.

Impending Deluges and Preparations

The anticipated rainfall associated with Hurricane Hilary could be staggering, potentially exceeding a year's worth of rain in some areas. Forecasters are predicting 3 to 6 inches of rainfall, with the possibility of maximum amounts reaching 10 inches across portions of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula and parts of southern California and southern Nevada. The risk of flash flooding is high, particularly in areas with mountainous terrain.

In response to the imminent threat, preparations are underway across the region. Nevada's Governor, Joe Lombardo, has activated 100 state National Guard troops to tackle the anticipated flooding. President Joe Biden has stated that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is ready to respond to Southern California or other affected regions if necessary.

Southern California's Unprecedented Preparations

The impending arrival of Hurricane Hilary as a tropical storm has spurred Southern California into action. The region is bracing for potentially excessive rainfall, with some areas facing the highest level of flood risk (Level 4 out of 4) ever issued for the area. Due to the potential severity of the situation, water rescue teams, National Guard personnel, and flood-fighting equipment have been mobilized. In addition, highway maintenance crews are on standby to ensure road safety.

The risk also extends to the homeless population, who are particularly vulnerable during such weather events. Outreach efforts and temporary shelter provisions are being implemented in Los Angeles and San Diego to mitigate these risks.

Impact on Daily Life and Sports

The looming threat of Hurricane Hilary has not spared daily life or sporting events. To ensure the safety of residents and attendees, Major League Baseball (MLB) has rescheduled games hosted by the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego Padres to split doubleheaders on Saturday. Major League Soccer matches for LA Galaxy and LAFC on Sunday have been similarly rescheduled. This proactive response from the sports community reflects the gravity of the situation and the need to prioritize public safety.

Conclusion

The unprecedented issuance of a tropical storm warning for Southern California in the face of Hurricane Hilary's approach underscores the magnitude of this impending weather event. The region, unaccustomed to such tropical systems, is gearing up for potentially catastrophic flooding, heavy rainfall, and strong winds. As residents and officials work together to prepare for the storm's impact, it becomes evident that this event will be etched into the region's history as a unique and formidable weather occurrence. As the storm approaches, the collective efforts of communities and emergency response teams will be crucial in navigating and mitigating the challenges that Hurricane Hilary brings.