Hurricane Hilary’s Impact Expected to Weaken as it Approaches Mexico and California

Hurricane Hilary is heading towards Mexico’s Baja California peninsula early on Sunday, now downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane but still posing significant risks. The storm is anticipated to bring severe and life-threatening flooding to the region and is projected to transition into a tropical storm as it crosses into the southwestern United States. The National Weather Service has issued warnings about the storm’s potential impacts.

As of the latest update at 12 a.m., the storm’s maximum sustained wind speed is at 85 mph, reduced from the earlier 90 mph. Its location is approximately 90 miles south of Punta Eugenia, Mexico, and 450 miles from San Diego, California.

Even though the hurricane’s strength has diminished, meteorologists are cautioning that it remains dangerous. The storm’s weakening resulted in one fatality on Saturday in Santa Rosalia, Mexico, where a vehicle was swept away in a flooded stream. Four other individuals were rescued from the incident. The correlation between the fatality and the hurricane’s effects is yet to be confirmed.

Meteorologists predict that Hilary will go down in history as the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years. This historic occurrence is expected to lead to flash floods, mudslides, tornadoes, high winds, and power outages. Authorities have issued evacuation advisories for areas at risk, including Santa Catalina Island located off the coast.

Elizabeth Adams from the National Weather Service in San Diego warns of heavy rainfall of up to 3 inches per hour in Southern California’s mountains and deserts, potentially causing widespread and life-threatening flash floods. California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, urging residents to complete preparations before the situation worsens.

Hilary’s impact is part of a series of major climate-related disasters affecting North America. Canada and Hawaii have also experienced severe wildfires, and Hawaii recently suffered a devastating blaze. The hurricane has brought substantial rainfall and flooding to Mexico and the southwestern U.S., with predictions of up to 10 inches of rain in some areas.

The storm’s weakened status doesn’t diminish its threat, according to Jamie Rhome from the U.S. National Hurricane Center. Despite the downgrading, precautions should not be disregarded.

Hilary is also forecasted to generate life-threatening surf and rip currents along Mexico’s Pacific coast, with waves reaching up to 40 feet in height. Evacuations and emergency operations are underway in various locations to mitigate the potential impact. However, the situation remains tense, especially in areas prone to landslides and structural collapse.

The U.S. hurricane center has issued warnings for Southern California, including the Pacific coast, interior mountains, and deserts. Precautions are being taken, such as evacuations, closures of state beaches, and providing shelter for the homeless.

Municipalities are struggling to keep up with demand for supplies like sandbags, while the National Park Service has closed some parks to avoid stranding visitors. Major League Baseball games have been rescheduled, and even space launches have been delayed due to the storm’s approach.

President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation and emphasizes the importance of following guidance from local officials.

Hilary, which was initially a Category 4 hurricane, has weakened over time, with its maximum sustained wind speed dropping to 100 mph as a Category 2 storm. Its path is projected to move north-northwest, and it’s expected to make landfall in a sparsely populated area of the Baja California peninsula, south of Ensenada, Mexico.

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• National Weather Service
• National Hurricane Center
• California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
• Climate Disasters and Preparedness
• Hawaii Wildfire Updates
• Canada Wildfire Situation
• Major League Baseball Schedule