CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES: Hurricane Hilary is heading towards Southern California this weekend, bringing with it an unusual amount of rain. People in the area are being warned to get ready for strong winds and potential flooding.
The hurricane is currently a Category 4 storm and is expected to cause rare and dangerous flash floods from Baja California to Nevada. The region is under a high-risk alert for heavy rainfall on Sunday, August 20, and into Monday, August 21.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a tropical storm watch for southwestern California, a first-time occurrence.
What are 5 things Southern California residents need to know about Hurricane Hilary?
Hurricane Hilary is likely to produce landslides
A notice issued by the NHC said, "Heavy rainfall associated with Hilary could produce areas of flash flooding and result in landslides over portions of the Baja California Peninsula late tonight through late Sunday," per Daily Mail.
Hurricane Hilary could cause deadly floods
According to the NHC, storm surges have the potential to cause coastal flooding and generate waves that could be highly destructive.
"Rainfall impacts from Hilary within the Southwestern United States are expected to peak this weekend into Monday. Flash, urban, and arroyo flooding is expected, with the potential for rare and dangerous impacts," as per the source.
Jeff Masters, a former government in-flight meteorologist and Yale Climate Connections expert, stated that Southern California might experience rainfall levels seen only once in a century.
Masters also mentioned the likelihood of Nevada breaking its historical rainfall record due to Hurricane Hilary's significant strength and wide coverage.
Big Bear Lake, Julian, Idyllwild, and Mt Laguna are potentially in line to receive up to 7 inches of rain from Saturday, August 19, to Monday, August 21.
The Coachella Valley, which includes Palm Springs, could experience rainfall of up to 5 inches during the same period. Hemet, San Bernardino, Hesperia, and Victorville might witness rainfall of up to 4 inches.
Hurricane Hilary's wind speed surged by 75 miles per hour in 24 hours
A tropical storm watch is issued when there's a possibility of experiencing tropical storm conditions, which means sustained winds of over 39 mph within 48 hours, as defined by the NHC.
In a span of only 24 hours, the storm's wind speed surged by 75 miles per hour, which is twice the recognized limit for rapid intensification, as officially defined.
This acceleration in speed occurred as the storm passed over water with a temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 30 degrees Celsius), which acts as fuel for its heat engine.
Hurricane Hilary is predicted to move toward west coast of Baja California
As of early Friday, August 18, Hurricane Hilary was located around 360 miles (575 kilometers) south-southwest of Los Cabos, situated at the southern tip of the Baja peninsula. The hurricane was moving northwest at a speed of 10 mph (17 kph) and was anticipated to turn more towards the north.
Hilary is predicted to maintain its hurricane status as it approaches the west coast of Baja California over the weekend, but it's projected to weaken to a tropical storm before reaching Southern California on Sunday afternoon, August 20.
Actions to take/helpline numbers in wake of Hurricane Hilary
Stay tuned to local news sources for the latest updates, heed guidance from local authorities, and if you find yourself in an emergency situation, don't hesitate to call 911.
Be aware that flights might be affected, so stay updated by checking with your airline.
Stay informed by monitoring the National Hurricane Center and the Mexican National Meteorological Service (Servicio Meteorológico Nacional) for the latest storm updates and emergency information.
Ensure your loved ones know your whereabouts and well-being through phone, text messages, and social media.
For additional information, visit the Department of State's Hurricanes, Typhoons, and Cyclones page.
