Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for much of Southern California in response to Hurricane Hilary.[0] The state is mobilizing and coordinating resources ahead of the storm's forecasted impacts.[1] The declaration comes as Hilary weakened from a Category 1 hurricane to a tropical storm before making landfall over the northern Baja California Peninsula.[2] Despite the weakening, the National Weather Service warns of potentially life-threatening flooding in mountain and desert areas.[1]
The Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest school district in the country, has announced that schools will be closed on Monday due to the storm. The San Diego Unified School District has also announced school closures for Monday.
Hilary made landfall on the coast of Baja California, Mexico, bringing heavy rains and causing catastrophic flooding.[3] The storm is now moving towards Southern California, where it is expected to bring significant rainfall. The National Hurricane Center predicts that some areas may receive up to 8 inches of rain through Tuesday evening, leading to the potential for flash flooding and other dangerous conditions.[4]
Authorities are urging residents to stay safe and stay home unless directed otherwise by safety officials. Evacuation warnings have been issued for certain areas, and flash flood warnings remain in effect across Southern California.[5] The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services is working with local and federal officials to provide assistance and support during the storm.[6]
In addition to the impacts on infrastructure and public safety, the storm is also expected to have significant economic consequences. The closure of schools and disruption to transportation and businesses will likely result in lost productivity and revenue. The full extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Hilary will not be known until after the storm has passed and recovery efforts are underway.
Overall, the state of emergency declaration highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need for coordinated efforts to protect the safety and well-being of residents in Southern California. As the storm continues to move through the region, it is important for individuals to follow the guidance of local authorities and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
0. “Governor Newsom Proclaims State of Emergency As Hurricane Hilary Approaches California | California Governor” Office of Governor Gavin Newsom, 20 Aug. 2023, https://www.gov.ca.gov/2023/08/19/governor-newsom-proclaims-state-of-emergency-as-hurricane-hilary-approaches-california
1. “Hilary Heads Toward Riverside County; Residents Asked to Stay Indoors” NBC Palm Springs, 20 Aug. 2023, https://nbcpalmsprings.com/2023/08/20/hilary-heads-toward-riverside-county-residents-asked-to-stay-indoors/
2. “Hilary barrels toward San Diego County; emergency declared” KPBS, 20 Aug. 2023, https://www.kpbs.org/news/local/2023/08/20/hilary-barrels-toward-san-diego-county-emergency-declared
3. “Scenes from Mexico, Southern California as Tropical Storm Hilary hits” WMUR Manchester, 21 Aug. 2023, https://www.wmur.com/article/hilary-storm-videos/44861317
4. “Torrential rain from Tropical Storm Hilary causes dangerous mudslides, rockslides in Southern California” Yahoo News, 20 Aug. 2023, https://news.yahoo.com/torrential-rain-tropical-storm-hilary-204432289.html
5. “Hilary hits California as tropical storm, causing flooding, road closures” The Washington Post, 21 Aug. 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/08/20/hilary-hurricane-tropical-storm-california/
6. “‘We're not built for this.' Tropical Storm Hilary batters California with powerful winds and rain and threatens catastrophic …” CNN, 21 Aug. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/20/weather/hurricane-hilary-california-southwest-tropical-storm-sunday/index.html
