Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images
Hurricane Hilary was about to make landfall this Sunday morning on the Baja California coast south of Ensenada, Mexico, about 285 miles from San Diego.and is expected to enter southern California as a tropical storm.
Hilary, still a Category 1 hurricane, was losing intensity as it moved closer to land.but the authorities emphasized that the danger of the storm was still too high.
At 740 am, radar showing rain coverage increasing across eastern/central LA county as leading edge of Hilary moisture moves into Southland. Moderate to heavy rain will produce localized roadway/small stream flooding this morning, especially in Antelope Valley. #LArain #laweather pic.twitter.com/cj7q8LQnwI
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) August 20, 2023
The hurricane left severe damage in its path along the Baja California peninsula, Mexico. In the town of Santa Rosalía, a person drowned this Saturday after his vehicle was swept away by an intense current of water.
Officials reiterated the call to the Southern California residents to be alert for potential “catastrophic” flash flooding.
Authorities canceled sporting events, including LA Galaxy and Los Angeles Dodgers games, the CicLAvia ride celebration, and the closure of state parks, including the Los Angeles Zoo and Hollywood Bowl, and beaches.
The SpaceX launch on the Central Coast has also been postponed.
On Friday, Hilary rapidly intensified into a Category 4 hurricane, with sustained wind gusts of 145 mph, but from this Saturday it began to lose strength as it entered colder waters until it was downgraded to category 1 early this Sunday.
Hilary is forecast to enter Southern California as a tropical storma phenomenon that has not occurred in the state for 84 years.
According to the Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), California is not usually affected by hurricanes, phenomena that obtain their energy in the warm waters of the ocean in tropical latitudes.usually 80 degrees F.
“Hilary seems to be fading fast. The eye is filling up and clouds are overlapping the eyewall and the rain bands have been heating up for the past several hours,” National Hurricane Center hurricane specialist John Cangialosi wrote in an update posted Saturday. online.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for southern California this Saturday, a determination that allows resources to be available before the effects of Hilary begin.
Rescue teams were previously positioned throughout Southern California.as reported by the director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Nancy Ward, to respond to any emergency immediately.
“(Hilary) could be one of the most devastating storms we’ve had in California in over a decade. We are doing everything we can to keep (residents) safe and respond as quickly as possible,” Ward said.
According to meteorologists, Hillary could dump heavy rain across the southwestern United States, 3 to 6 inches in some placeswith isolated numbers up to 10 inches in southern California and Nevada.
The large amount of water could cause flash floods and landslides, especially in mountain communities.
According to forecasts, the storm is expected to cause high waves and rip currents considered highly dangerous to human life.
Evacuation orders issued for the tourist destination of Santa Catalina Islandabout 23 miles off the coast of southern California.
In the city of Los Angeles, authorities They advocated to transfer shelters to the homeless.
Heavy rains are forecast start from the early hours of this Sunday and last until Monday.
Residents are asked not to call 911 if it is not an emergency. For situations such as flooded roads or falling trees, call 311.
Keep reading:
· Mexico warns about the impact of Hurricane Hilary on the Baja California peninsula
Hurricane Hilary reaches Category 4 on its way to California
· Hilary is already a hurricane and maintains its trajectory heading towards southern California