Southwest Braces for Heavy Rains and Flooding as Hurricane Hilary Approaches
Residents in the Southwest are preparing for severe weather conditions as Hurricane Hilary, a rare tropical storm, is set to hit the region starting on Sunday and lasting into next week. The National Hurricane Center reports that Hilary remains a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 130 mph as it approaches Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula.
CNN reports that the storm is expected to weaken into a tropical storm as it crosses into the US and Southern California. The threat has prompted California to issue its first-ever tropical storm warning, extending from the state’s southern border to just north of Los Angeles.
Heavy Rainfall Expected in the Southwest
The Southwest is predicted to experience heavy rainfall throughout the early part of next week, with the most intense conditions occurring on Sunday and Monday. According to the National Hurricane Center, this deluge could bring more than a year’s worth of rain to parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona.
Potential Impact
Southern California and Nevada could see 3 to 6 inches of rain, with some areas receiving up to 10 inches. The rest of the region can expect between 1 to 3 inches of rainfall. The National Hurricane Center warns that strong winds and rain will begin before the storm’s arrival, and preparations for potential flooding should be completed as soon as possible.
Preparations and Response
Officials across the region have started preparing for dangerous road conditions, power outages, and flooding. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo announced the deployment of 100 state National Guard troops to southern Nevada to assist with potential flooding. President Joe Biden stated that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has preemptively positioned personnel and supplies in the region to respond if necessary.
If Hilary makes landfall in California as a tropical storm, it would be the first time in nearly 84 years that such an event has occurred, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Weather Prediction Center’s research shows that the high risk of excessive rainfall in Southern California is exceptionally rare, with a risk of this level being issued on fewer than 4% of days per year on average.
California’s Preparedness
In response to the significant threat, California has prepared water rescue teams, National Guard personnel, and flood fighting equipment. Highway maintenance crews will be on standby around the clock to ensure roadway safety. Southern California Edison, the electricity utility serving over 15 million people in the region, is also preparing for potential outages and advising residents to gather essential supplies.
Protecting Vulnerable Communities
Officials in Los Angeles and San Diego are taking measures to protect the homeless community, which is particularly at risk during flooding. Both cities are offering temporary shelter and performing outreach efforts. The LA County Sheriff’s Department has mapped out at-risk encampments and is making aerial announcements to inform residents about the storm.
Rescheduling Events
The storm threat has also affected the sports schedule in the region. Major League Baseball has rescheduled Sunday games hosted by the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego Padres to split doubleheaders on Saturday. Major League Soccer matches for LA Galaxy and LAFC on Sunday have been postponed to later dates.
Read More of this Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-08-19 06:52:00
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