Hurricane Hilary is steadily advancing towards Southern California. Although the storm is expected to weaken before making landfall, widespread damage is anticipated across the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the first-ever tropical storm warning for Southern California, encompassing Ventura, Los Angeles, and Orange Counties, as well as mountain communities in the Inland Empire, and most of San Diego County.
The NWS anticipates major, and potentially historic, flooding throughout Southern California, particularly in the mountain and desert areas. Rapid overflow of rivers, tributaries, and smaller water bodies is predicted, posing significant risks.
In addition to flooding, runoff from mountain valleys may impact foothill communities and areas vulnerable to rockslides, mudslides, and debris flows. The NWS warns that floodwaters could infiltrate numerous structures, rendering some uninhabitable or entirely washed away. Streets and parking lots could transform into moving rivers, and underpasses may become submerged, making driving conditions hazardous.
Wind speeds are forecast to reach over 25 miles per hour, with gusts up to 60 miles per hour, causing significant damage across the region. Structures such as porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes could incur damage. Trees may lose large limbs, and some may snap or be uprooted, making roads, particularly in coastal and heavily wooded communities, impassable.
With an expected rainfall of one to three inches from Hurricane Hilary, the NWS advises that evacuations and rescues are likely. Some desert communities may experience up to a year’s worth of rain within a few days.
Scattered power and communications outages are also anticipated throughout Southern California. While conditions for tornadoes are deemed unfavorable, and storm surge threat is minimal, residents are urged to stay vigilant and prepare for the approaching storm.