First Tropical Storm in Over 80 Years Hits Los Angeles, Causing Flooding and Damage
LOS ANGELES, Aug 21 (Reuters) – Southern California faced unprecedented flooding and damage as the first tropical storm to hit Los Angeles in more than 80 years made landfall. Despite being downgraded to a tropical depression, the storm, named Hilary, wreaked havoc across the region, prompting California Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency.
Flash flood warnings were issued for much of Southern California until at least 3 a.m. on Monday, urging residents to stay safe and take necessary precautions. Forecasters predicted that mountain and desert areas could see 5 to 10 inches (12 to 25 cm) of rain, an amount that is typically seen in a year.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed concerns that people may underestimate the severity of the storm and venture out unnecessarily. “We know that it could get much worse,” Mayor Bass warned at a news briefing on Sunday. She urged residents to stay at home and prioritize their safety.
Hilary’s center was expected to move swiftly across Nevada on Monday before dissipating later in the day, according to the National Weather Service. The storm had already caused significant damage in Mexico, where it claimed the life of one person and triggered flash flooding.
Social media platforms were flooded with images and videos showing the aftermath of the storm, including gushing floodwaters carrying debris down eroded streets. The storm also made history by becoming the first tropical storm to hit San Diego and Los Angeles counties since 1939.
San Bernardino county, located east of Los Angeles, ordered evacuations in mountainous and valley towns where torrents of water, mud, rocks, and trees were seen. Ventura county, northwest of Los Angeles, experienced heavy rains that led to life-threatening flooding, with up to 2 inches (5 cm) of rain falling within two hours.
In response to the crisis, U.S. President Joe Biden directed federal agencies to mobilize personnel and supplies to aid in the recovery efforts. Officials expressed particular concern for the 75,000 homeless individuals in Los Angeles county, as well as recently denuded areas affected by wildfires.
As a precautionary measure, the two largest school districts in the state, Los Angeles and San Diego, canceled classes on Monday. The storm also surprised residents of Rancho Mirage, a nearby town, as water and debris flowed over closed roads, leaving at least one pickup truck stranded.
Sean Julian, a resident of Rancho Mirage, expressed his astonishment at witnessing the storm’s impact. “It’s quite amazing. I’ve never seen anything like this. I’m seeing a lot more trees down,” Julian said. He emphasized the importance of staying indoors and avoiding unnecessary risks.
The extent of the damage caused by Tropical Storm Hilary is yet to be determined, but officials are working tirelessly to assess the situation. The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles have been applied to this report.
(Reporting by Reuters staff; Writing by Daniel Trotta; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)