Hilary downgraded to Category 2 hurricane as Mexico and California brace for `catastrophic’ impact

Hilary was downgraded to a Category 2 hurricane, as Mexico and California prepare for potential disastrous consequences.

Late on Saturday, Hurricane Hilary was progressing towards Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, having been downgraded from a Category 3 to a Category 2 storm, but remaining a significant threat. The U.S. National Weather Service warned of “catastrophic” flooding and the likelihood of the storm transitioning into a tropical storm as it moves into the southwest U.S.

Despite weakening, Hilary could make history as Southern California’s first tropical storm in 84 years. According to a Saturday update by John Cangialosi, a senior hurricane specialist at the National Hurricane Center, Hilary’s weakening has been rapid, with evidence of the eye filling and the surrounding cloud tops warming.

Meteorologists predict that the storm could deliver 3 to 6 inches (8 to 15 centimeters) of rain, and up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) in isolated areas in southern California and southern Nevada. Along Mexico’s Pacific coast, the storm is expected to create perilous surf conditions and rip currents, with waves reaching up to 40 feet (12 meters) high.

Preemptive measures have been taken, including evacuation advisories for tourist destinations like Santa Catalina Island, and authorities in Los Angeles moving the homeless into shelters. Efforts to reinforce sand berms in Southern California were also in progress.

The Miami-based hurricane center issued warnings for Southern California for tropical storms and potential flooding, and evacuation warnings were announced for certain mountain and foothill communities.

Courtney Carpenter, a National Weather Service meteorologist, forecasted flash floods, mudslides, isolated tornadoes, and wind damage to Southern California, with power outages anticipated.

Hilary had earlier escalated into a perilous Category 4 hurricane with top winds of 145 mph (230 kph), but then gradually weakened to Category 2.

As of the latest update, it was situated 640 miles (1030 km) south-southeast of San Diego, California, moving at 17 mph (28 kph), with expectations to turn north and accelerate.

The storm’s anticipated path included brushing past Punta Eugenia on Mexico’s southern Baja peninsula before reaching landfall near Ensenada. From there, Hilary is projected to continue north, causing heavy rain and floods in Tijuana, where concerns are particularly high due to poorly constructed hillside homes.

Measures across the region include park closures, sandbag distribution, baseball game rescheduling, and SpaceX delaying a rocket launch. President Joe Biden has urged caution, with FEMA positioning staff and supplies in the area.

Both excitement and concern were observed along coastal communities, with Mexico’s Navy evacuating individuals and deploying troops, and resorts on the Baja peninsula taking in storm refugees.

Overall, while the downgrade of Hurricane Hilary offers some relief, its potential impact across Mexico and California continues to prompt serious preparation and vigilance from residents, authorities, and meteorological experts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hurricane Hilary

More about Hurricane Hilary

• National Hurricane Center
• U.S. National Weather Service
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• The Weather Channel – Hurricane Hilary Update
• Los Angeles County Emergency Information
• Mexico’s Navy – Emergency Operations