Deluge from Tropical Storm Hilary hits California after making landfall along Mexico’s Baja coast

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Tropical Storm Hilary slammed into Mexico’s arid Baja California on Sunday before moving into Southern California, bringing deadly floodwaters that swamped streets. Concerns grew that flash floods could also strike areas as far north as Idaho, where heavy rain is uncommon.

Hilary is the first tropical storm to impact Southern California in 84 years, and forecasters warned of potential flash floods, mudslides, isolated tornadoes, high winds, and power outages. The storm made landfall in a scarcely populated area south of Ensenada, Mexico, before threatening mudslide-prone regions like Tijuana.

Around 9 million people were under flash-flood warnings as rain fell across typically dry Southern California. Desert areas and hillsides scarred by wildfires were particularly at risk, experts said.

Damage from the storm included mud on highways, fallen tree branches from San Diego to Los Angeles, and the risk of tornadoes in certain regions. Western states could also face record-breaking rains, as Hilary threatened to become the wettest tropical cyclone to drench Nevada, Oregon, and Idaho. The storm was expected to remain tropical in central Nevada on Monday before dissipating.

Despite weakening from a Category 4 hurricane, the storm’s water posed the main threat, as per Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan. Some areas could experience an entire year’s worth of rain within hours. Brennan emphasized the danger of rainfall flooding, the biggest cause of fatalities in tropical storms and hurricanes in the U.S. over the past decade.

The storm is part of a series of recent major climate disasters across North America, including the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century on Maui and Canada’s worst fire season ever.

Mexican authorities responded by closing beaches in Ensenada and Tijuana and opening shelters. One person drowned in Mexico, and soldiers were deployed to assist with clean-up and rescue.

Rainfall was expected to range from 3 to 6 inches in many areas, with isolated regions receiving up to 10 inches, equivalent to a year’s worth of precipitation. California’s Governor declared a state of emergency, and FEMA prepared to assist.

Residents along the coast took precautions, and authorities issued evacuation warnings for Santa Catalina Island and other vulnerable communities. Efforts were made to move homeless individuals to shelters, and state beaches in San Diego and Orange counties were closed.

The anticipation of the storm led to shortages of sandbags and emergency supplies, and some national parks were closed to prevent visitors from becoming stranded. States like Nevada and Arizona also declared emergencies and readied National Guard troops and other resources.

President Joe Biden urged those in the storm’s path to heed warnings and follow local guidance. At the same time, other storm systems were brewing in the Atlantic Ocean, including Tropical Storm Emily and Tropical Storm Franklin.

The last tropical storm to hit California in 1939 caused significant destruction, ripping apart train tracks, tearing houses from their foundations, and sinking boats, leading to nearly 100 deaths.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tropical Storm Hilary

More about Tropical Storm Hilary

• Tropical Storm Hilary Hits Baja California, Moves into Southern California
• Southern California’s First Tropical Storm in 84 Years
• Flash Flood Warnings and Precautions
• Climate Disasters Impacting North America
• Historical Tropical Storms and Their Effects
• Government Response to Natural Disasters
• President Biden’s Urgent Message