Hurricane Hilary Updates: South California inundated, I-10 shut & state of emergency declared
Tropical Storm Hilary inundated streets across Mexico’s arid Baja California Peninunsula with deadly floodwaters Sunday before moving over Southern California, where it swamped roads and downed trees, as concerns mounted that flash floods could strike in places as far north as Idaho that rarely get such torrential rain.
Forecasters said Hilary was the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years, bringing flash floods, mudslides, high winds, power outages and the potential for isolated tornadoes.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for much of Southern California, with flash flood warnings in effect throughout a region that is more accustomed to drought.
In Palm Springs, a desert getaway in Riverside County about 100 miles (160 km) east of Los Angeles, the city that typically gets around 4.6 inches (12 cm) of rain in an entire year could receive 6-10 inches from this one storm.
Accelerated arrival: Tropical-storm-force winds are anticipated to hit San Diego County earlier than initially projected, around late Sunday afternoon.
Concern for Sunday afternoon and evening: Officials are particularly worried about impacts on Sunday afternoon and evening across Southern California due to the storm’s shifted track.
Size: Hurricane Hilary covers a vast area, approximately the size of Arizona, heightening the potential for widespread impacts.
Risk areas: The primary threat is heavy rain and flooding, especially in deserts and mountains. Similar to Baja California, this storm is expected to bring significant impacts to some areas.
Historic flooding potential: Forecasters are warning of possible historic floods in regions like San Bernardino and Inyo counties, with Death Valley and Morongo Basin at high risk.
Vulnerable roads: Roads in Death Valley and Highway 62 could face closures, while other areas, like San Gabriel Mountains and Antelope Valley, are at risk of dangerous floods, landslides, and debris flows.
Torrential rain: Intense rain rates exceeding an inch per hour, or even up to 2 inches per hour, are predicted. Such downpours could lead to catastrophic flooding in various terrains.
Desert deluge: Certain Southern California desert regions could witness a year’s worth of rain within just 24 hours, including Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park.
Flash flooding on border: Flash flooding is likely along the California-Arizona border, impacting areas like Parker, Blythe, and Yuma.
Coastal effects: Coastal regions, such as Anaheim, Irvine, San Clemente, and San Diego, could experience up to 2.5 inches of rain, although less severe than inland areas.