The downgrading of Hurricane Hilary to a Category 1 storm has not diminished concerns over its potential to cause catastrophic and deadly flooding in the Baja California region. As it advances towards the area, the storm has prompted heightened warnings from meteorological experts and authorities. The National Hurricane Center's advisory underlines the continued risk of "catastrophic and life-threatening flooding" as Hurricane Hilary maintains maximum sustained winds of 90mph (145km/h), The Guardian reported.
Presently situated around 175 miles (281km) south of Punta Eugenia, Mexico, and approximately 535 miles (855km) from San Diego, California, Hurricane Hilary is steadily moving north-northwest at a rate of about 18mph (30km/h). Forecasts anticipate that the hurricane will reach the Baja California peninsula on August 19 at night, maintaining its hurricane status during this phase. Upon reaching the Baja California peninsula, Hurricane Hilary was projected to weaken into a tropical storm by August 20 at afternoon as it approached southern California. Despite this weakening, experts emphasize that the storm's threat remains formidable, reflecting the treacherous conditions it still poses.
Anticipated rainfall and consequences
Meteorologists caution that even as Hurricane Hilary weakens, it is expected to deposit significant amounts of rain. Estimates suggest rainfall ranging from 3 to 6 inches (7-15cm), with isolated regions receiving up to 10 inches. The northern Baja California peninsula is expected to bear the brunt of this heavy rainfall, leading to flash and urban flooding. This pattern is likely to extend to portions of southern California and southern Nevada, as highlighted by the National Hurricane Center.
If Hurricane Hilary's impact is realized, it will mark the first tropical storm to strike southern California in 84 years. Given the gravity of the situation, California's governor, Gavin Newsom, declared a state of emergency. Officials urged residents to conclude their preparations before nightfall on August 19
Fatalities and response
As Hurricane Hilary progresses, reports of a fatality in Mexico's Santa Rosalia town emerged, where an overflowing stream swept away a vehicle, resulting in a drowning. While it remains unclear whether this fatality is directly linked to the hurricane, local officials have shared videos depicting torrents of water surging through the streets. In Tijuana, a border city with a population of 1.9 mn, the precarious hillside positioning of many homes amplifies the risk posed by the storm. Mayor Montserrat Caballero Ramírez acknowledged the city's vulnerability and highlighted efforts to set up shelters in high-risk areas and to warn those residing in precarious zones.
Southern California authorities are orchestrating efforts to provide shelter for unhoused individuals and to secure coastal communities against the storm's impact. As the region braces for unprecedented rainfall, cities across several states are offering sandbags to protect properties from potential flooding.
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