California in Crisis: Battling Tropical Storm Hilary’s Wrath

Tropical Storm Hilary Pummels California, Threatens Catastrophic Floods

Tropical Storm Hilary, after making landfall in Mexico, has crossed into California, bringing with it strong winds and heavy rain. The storm has the potential to cause catastrophic and potentially deadly floods in Southern California. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria expressed concern about the level of precipitation, stating that the city is not built to handle this amount of rainfall. As Hilary continues to move further into the United States, it is expected to weaken but still bring severe weather conditions to the region.

Evacuation Orders and State of Emergency

In response to the storm, evacuation orders have been issued in parts of Lake Mead National Park in Arizona, and Nevada’s governor has declared a state of emergency. In California, the Palm Springs city manager declared a local emergency due to unprecedented rainfall and flooding. Hilary has already caused one death in Mexico, as a vehicle was swept away near Santa Rosalía.

Major Impact on Air Travel and Infrastructure

The storm has led to the cancellation and delay of more than 1,000 flights within, into, or out of the United States, with the most affected airports being Harry Reid International Airport in Nevada, San Diego International Airport, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Hilary has triggered flood warnings in Los Angeles, and to add to the chaos, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck the area on Sunday afternoon.

Flash Flooding Threat and School Closures

More than 9 million people, including those in downtown Los Angeles, are under a flash flood warning. The National Weather Service has predicted that parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties could see up to 1.5 inches of rain per hour. The strong winds associated with Hilary have reached gusts as high as 84 mph in the mountains near San Diego. As a result, the San Diego Unified School District has postponed the first day of school, and the Los Angeles Unified district has closed schools for Monday.

Potential for Devastation

Hilary has the potential to bring a “potentially historic amount of rainfall” to the southwestern United States, with rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches, and even up to 10 inches in some areas. The hurricane center warns that the storm could cause life-threatening to locally catastrophic flooding. In Palmdale, California, officials have already cleared a mudslide from a highway and are warning residents of the high risk for more slides and floods. California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for a large part of Southern California.

Unprecedented Storm Poses Major Challenges

Tropical Storm Hilary presents an unprecedented weather event for a city like Los Angeles, which has deep experience responding to natural disasters such as wildfires and earthquakes. Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the need for Angelenos to stay safe, stay home, and avoid unnecessary travel. The storm poses a significant threat to areas unaccustomed to heavy rainfall, as well as areas that have recently been affected by wildfires.

Concern for Deserts and Recent Burn Areas

Authorities are closely monitoring the desert regions east of San Diego and Los Angeles, as these areas may receive double their yearly amount of water in just a single day. This poses a risk of flash flooding and debris flows, especially in areas downhill and downstream from recent burn scars. The burned soil can be as water-repellent as pavement, causing rainfall to run off quickly instead of being absorbed.

State and Local Response

State and local officials are ready to respond to the storm’s impact. First responders have been pre-positioned to perform water rescues, and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has fully staffed crews ready to restore power and clear debris. Despite the challenges posed by the storm, the city’s reservoirs are reported to have sufficient capacity to handle increased runoff.

Conclusion

Tropical Storm Hilary is wreaking havoc in Southern California, with the potential for catastrophic flooding and devastating impacts. This unprecedented weather event poses significant challenges to a region unaccustomed to such heavy rainfall. Residents are urged to stay safe, stay home if possible, and listen to safety officials for guidance. The storm’s impact is a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events. As the storm continues to unleash its wrath, communities must come together to support one another and ensure the safety and well-being of all.