No, Dodger Stadium didn’t flood. It was just a mirage.

The Misleading Mirage of Dodger Stadium Flooded by Tropical Storm Hilary

Introduction

Contrary to the viral social media posts that emerged over the weekend, Dodger Stadium did not become a submerged island amidst the heavy rainfall brought by Tropical Storm Hilary. The images, which seemed to show a flooded parking lot surrounding the iconic stadium, turned out to be an optical illusion caused by the interplay of water and light on a wet surface. These moments of confusion remind us of the power of viral misinformation in our digital age and the need for critical thinking when consuming news.

An Unusual Weekend for Southern California

The storm that hit Los Angeles over the weekend marked the first tropical storm to make landfall in the area in 84 years. It brought record rainfall, causing mass flooding and mudslides throughout Southern California. Coupled with an earthquake, the region experienced a weekend of unpredictable and historic events. In such a chaotic context, it is understandable that social media users easily succumbed to the illusion that Dodger Stadium had succumbed to the floods.

The False Narrative of the ‘Hurricane Shark’

This is not the first time that viral images during natural disasters have caused confusion and fear. A notable example is the phenomenon of “hurricane sharks,” in which photos purportedly showing sharks swimming in flooded urban areas during hurricanes circulated online. While there was a verified instance of a juvenile shark being filmed in a Florida backyard during Hurricane Ian in 2022, most other images of “hurricane sharks” have been proven false.

The Power of Visual Deception

The photographs and videos that circulated of the supposed flooding at Dodger Stadium garnered tens of thousands of views on social media platforms. These deceptive visuals tapped into people’s fears and uncertainty during a tumultuous weekend. The rapid spread of these misleading images highlights the challenges faced by journalists and news organizations in an age where misinformation can spread like wildfire.

The Role of Critical Thinking

While the responsibility lies with news organizations to fact-check and verify information, individuals also have a role to play in combating misinformation. It is crucial for the public to engage in critical thinking when consuming news and to independently verify the information they encounter on social media. By questioning the veracity of viral images and videos, we can help prevent the further spread of falsehoods and maintain a more informed society.

Dodger Stadium: Soaked, But Not Sunk

The reality, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Dodgers, is that Dodger Stadium was merely soaked by the heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm Hilary, not submerged. The diligent work of Times photographer Robert Gauthier and his new images taken on Monday reassure us that the iconic stadium remains unscathed. In fact, he described the scene as “a postcard day” at the stadium, and the parking lot was reported to be “dry as a bone.”

Conclusion

The mistaken perception of Dodger Stadium being flooded by Tropical Storm Hilary serves as a reminder of the power of visual deception and the ease with which misinformation can propagate on social media platforms. The incident highlights the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in the digital age. In an era where information is readily accessible, it becomes our responsibility as individuals to verify the accuracy of what we consume and to rely on trusted news sources. By practicing skepticism and discernment, we can navigate the turbulent waters of misinformation and remain better informed.