Hurricane Hilary, forecasted to make landfall in Southern California on Sunday, is already causing havoc in Mexico. The National Weather Service reported that as of 5 a.m. Sunday, the storm was “very near” the Baja California coast south of Ensenada, Mexico, and 285 miles from San Diego.
Although Hilary currently remains a Category 1 hurricane, it is expected to continue weakening as it approaches Southern California. Still, officials emphasize that the storm, despite losing strength, remains a significant threat.
In Santa Rosalía, a town located on the eastern coast of Baja California Sur, a person drowned on Saturday when their vehicle was swept away in an overflowing stream. Further south in the resort town of Los Cabos, dozens sought refuge in storm shelters, and a family had to be rescued in San Jose del Cabo after their resort was hit by strong wind and rain.
Nearly 850 people have been evacuated from islands off the Baja coast, and Mexico’s navy has deployed around 3,000 troops for emergency operations. In Tijuana, all beaches were closed, and the local fire department urged residents to leave quickly if they hear “noises or the ground cracking.”
Meanwhile, in California, officials are warning residents to prepare for potentially “catastrophic” flooding and widespread damage. State parks and beaches have been closed, and several areas have received a voluntary evacuation order.
Meteorologists predict that Hurricane Hilary will generate “life-threatening” surf and rip currents, including waves up to 40 feet high along Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Hurricane Hilary rapidly intensified into a Category 4 hurricane on Friday, with top sustained winds peaking at 145 miles per hour. The storm dropped to a Category 3 as it moved north into colder waters early Saturday, and by Sunday morning, had further weakened to a Category 1 hurricane.