California prepares for Hurricane Hilary
Hurricane Hilary has now weakened into a tropical storm, according to forecasters, but officials warn that the weather pattern could bring dangerous conditions to coastal Mexico and the US Southwest.
The National Hurricane Center said in a Sunday morning update that the storm is “very near the west coast of Baja California” and that “catastrophic and life-threatening flooding” is likely in Mexico and the US through Monday.
Hilary is about 350 km south-southeast of San Diego, California, with maximum sustained winds of 70mph.
The storm is expected to remain at tropical storm strength as it reaches Southern California late Sunday.
Key Points
Show latest update
Nevada city prepares for flooding with sand bags
The city of Henderson, Nevada, is one of many places across the Southwestern US bracing for heavy winds and flooding ahead of the arrival of Tropical Storm Hilary.
The storm is expected to linger over the US until Monday.
Josh Marcus20 August 2023 21:31
Los Angeles flooding begins before Hilary arrives in city
Los Angeles is already flooding, even though Tropical Storm Hilary isn’t expected to pass over the city until later this afternoon.
NBC Los Angeles reporter Alex Rozier captured a video showed cars and busses struggling through flooded streets on Sunday morning.
Josh Marcus20 August 2023 21:01
Flash flood warning covering millions issued for Los Angeles
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning covering millions of people in the Los Angeles area.
The danger zone encompasses over 9 million people in Los Angeles and outlying communities including Long Beach, Malibu, and the San Fernando Valley.
The warning lasts until 7.45pm Sunday evening.
Josh Marcus20 August 2023 21:00
Tornadoes could form in Southern California as Tropical Storm Hilary advances
There’s a highly likelihood that the Southern California desert will see the rare sight of tornadoes on Sunday because of Tropical Storm Hilary.
The National Weather Service said on Sunday that there’s a 40 per cent chance of a Tornado Watch in the area near Palm Springs.
Josh Marcus20 August 2023 20:40
City workers prepare for flooding in LA’s Union Station with pumps and sandbags
Municipal workers in Los Angeles on Sunday prepared for the arrival of Tropical Storm Hilary by deploying sand bags and water pumps at the Union Station rail hub.
Metro Los Angeles captured photos of the preparations.
Josh Marcus20 August 2023 20:20
They don’t seem too worried in Orange County…
Tropical Storm Hilary is expected to bring heavy winds, rains, and large waves throughout Southern California, but the surfers of Orange County seem to be relishing the conditions.
Surf photographer Ricky Blake captured this scene this morning in northern Orange County.
Josh Marcus20 August 2023 19:59
Tropical Storm Hilary makes landfall
Tropical Storm Hilary officially made landfall in North America on Sunday, as the center of the powerful storm touched down in norther Baja California, according to the National Hurricane Center.
“Tropical storm conditions and heavy rains already affecting portions of the southwestern United States,” the center wrote on X.
Josh Marcus20 August 2023 19:35
‘Torrential’ rainfall in Southern California possible for Sunday
Southern California could experience “torrential rainfall” later this afternoon as Tropical Storm Hilary continues its advance northwards, according to the National Weather Service.
Josh Marcus20 August 2023 19:20
A warning from CAL FIRE: Don’t mess around with moving water
California fire officials are urging members of the public not to ignore the risks of even a few inches of flood water.
According to CAL FIRE, even 6 inches of moving water can knock over and carry an adult away, while only a foot of water is needed to move a car.
Josh Marcus20 August 2023 19:00
San Diego prepares swift water rescue teams as Hurricane Hilary approaches
San Diego, with assistance from the California Office of Emergency Services, spent Saturday and Sunday preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Hilary in Southern California.
That included deploying teams of swift water rescue-trained firefighters around the region to prepare for residents being stranded in floods.
Josh Marcus20 August 2023 18:40