Title: Southern California and Southwest Brace for Life-Threatening Flooding as Tropical Storm Hilary Approaches
Subtitle: Hilary Weakens to a Tropical Storm, but Still Expected to Bring Heavy Rainfall and Severe Flooding
Date: [Current Date]
[City], [State] – Southern California and the Southwest are preparing for potentially catastrophic and life-threatening flooding as Tropical Storm Hilary continues on its path after making landfall in the northern part of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula on Sunday. Although Hilary had weakened from a Category 4 hurricane to a tropical storm prior to landfall, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that heavy rainfall can be expected across the region from Sunday afternoon into Monday morning.
According to the NHC, the storm is expected to bring a potentially historic amount of rainfall, raising concerns about flash floods, urban flooding, arroyo flooding, landslides, mudslides, and debris flows. The NHC advises residents to take necessary precautions and avoid flooded roadways.
Southern California and parts of southern Nevada are projected to experience rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches. The southwestern region, including the western Mojave Desert, is at high risk for flash flooding, which is an exceedingly rare occurrence, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Las Vegas. Flood advisories have also been issued for parts of southern Nye and southern Inyo County, as well as in the northwestern part of California’s San Bernardino County.
In response to the impending storm, evacuation orders have been issued for San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, while evacuation warnings have been issued in Orange County. The Inland Empire and mountainous areas are at a high risk for flash flooding, with some communities expected to receive 6-10 inches of rain.
This is the first time that the National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm warning for Southern California. California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, and President Biden has requested FEMA to deploy personnel and supplies to California. The Coast Guard has also pre-positioned aircraft for rapid response and rescue efforts.
Los Angeles County officials are anticipating 1 to 3 inches of rain and wind speeds of 20 to 30 mph. Mayor Karen Bass stated that the city is prepared for the storm. The tropical storm warning is in effect for most of Southern California, including San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties, as well as Catalina Island. Catalina residents and visitors have been advised to leave the island ahead of the storm’s arrival.
In light of the expected severe weather conditions, the Los Angeles Unified School District and Pasadena Unified School District have announced the closure of all schools, campuses, and after-school programs on Monday. The California Department of Parks and Recreation has temporarily closed all San Diego and Orange County state beaches and several state parks. Disneyland will close early on Sunday, and the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Los Angeles Angels have rescheduled their home games.
While Hilary’s winds are expected to weaken as it moves through Southern California, southwestern Nevada, including Las Vegas, will experience heavy rain and likely flooding. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency due to the imminent impact of Tropical Storm Hilary, anticipating significant damage to public and private property, including transportation routes.
Stay tuned for further updates and follow the necessary safety precautions as Tropical Storm Hilary approaches the region.