Tracking Hurricane Hilary’s Path: Threat to Southern California
By Gina Martinez
Updated on: August 18, 2023 / 7:01 AM / CBS News
Hurricane Hilary is expected to hit Southern California as a tropical storm, bringing heavy rainfall as early as this weekend after it makes its way up Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Forecasters have predicted that the storm will produce 3 to 6 inches of rainfall, with maximum amounts of 10 inches, across portions of Baja California through Sunday night, with the possibility of flash flooding.
Greg Postel, a hurricane and storm specialist at the Weather Channel, has warned of “damaging wind gusts,” especially at higher elevations, and swells along the coast. As of early Friday, Hurricane Hilary was located about 400 miles south of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph, making it a “major” Category 4 storm, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm is moving west-northwest at 13 mph, with a turn toward the northwest expected Friday morning, followed by a turn toward the north-northwest and north on Saturday.
The center of the storm is projected to approach Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula over the weekend and weaken to a tropical storm before hitting California. The southwestern U.S. is expected to experience heavy rainfall starting Friday through early next week, peaking on Sunday and Monday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
“It is rare – indeed nearly unprecedented in the modern record – to have a tropical system like this move through Southern California,” said Greg Postel. The last time Southern California was hit by a tropical storm was in 1939, before storms were given names. Although several storms that had been hurricanes or tropical storms have impacted the state since then, they had weakened to sub-tropical systems by that time.
The projected path of Hurricane Hilary shows that it could make landfall anywhere from the Baja California Peninsula to as far north as Santa Barbara, California. One model suggests that
1) How does the heavy rainfall from Hurricane Hilary pose a threat to Southern California?
G heavy rains and strong winds to the region. The storm, which has been tracking across the Pacific Ocean, is projected to make landfall on the coast by Friday.
As of the latest update, Hurricane Hilary is currently a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 85 miles per hour. The storm has already caused significant damage in Mexico, where it made landfall earlier this week.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring the track of Hurricane Hilary to determine its potential impact on Southern California. While it is expected to weaken as it moves over cooler waters, the storm still poses a threat to the region.
Heavy rain is the biggest concern with this storm, with some areas potentially seeing several inches of rainfall. This could lead to localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas and near rivers and creeks.
Strong winds are also anticipated, with gusts of up to 60 miles per hour possible. These winds could cause power outages and damage to trees and structures. Residents are advised to secure loose outdoor items and stay away from windows during the storm.
The National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for coastal areas of Southern California, including San Diego, Los Angeles, and Orange County. Residents in these areas should prepare for the storm by stocking up on essential supplies, such as food, water, and batteries.
In addition to the immediate impact of the storm, there is also a concern for potential mudslides and debris flows in areas affected by recent wildfires. The heavy rain could trigger these natural disasters, posing an additional threat to residents.
Authorities are urging residents to stay informed and heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Emergency shelters are being set up in various locations to assist those in need.
As always, it is important to listen to local officials and follow their instructions during severe weather events. Stay tuned to local news stations and reliable weather sources for the latest updates on Hurricane Hilary’s path and potential impacts on Southern California.
Stay safe everyone!