Tropical Storm Hilary wreaked havoc on Southern California, causing catastrophic flooding and widespread damage.[0] The storm brought torrential rain, gushing floodwaters, and debris flows that overwhelmed homes, businesses, and cars. Palm Springs, California, was particularly hard-hit, with Mayor Grace Garner describing the situation as “very extreme.”[1] The storm caused such devastation that there was no way in or out of Palm Springs.
In response to the storm's impacts, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for much of Southern California. This declaration allows for the mobilization and coordination of resources to support response and recovery efforts.[2] The County of San Diego also proclaimed a local emergency, anticipating significant impacts to public and private property.
The effects of Tropical Storm Hilary were felt not only in California but also in Nevada.[3] Both states declared states of emergency, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offered assistance to support the response efforts. Hilary weakened into a post-tropical cyclone with winds up to 35 miles per hour, but additional rainfall and flash flooding were still expected.[4]
The storm brought historic rainfall to the region, breaking records in Los Angeles and downtown Los Angeles.[5] Palm Springs received nearly 3.18 inches of rain, and downtown Los Angeles saw 2.30 inches, making it the wettest August day ever recorded.[1] The heavy rain caused flooding along Interstate 10 and local roadways, leading to road closures and swift water rescues.
In addition to the impacts of Tropical Storm Hilary, Southern California experienced a 5.1 magnitude earthquake.[6] The earthquake added to the already dangerous conditions caused by the storm. Despite the storm weakening into a post-tropical cyclone, more rainfall was forecasted for Southern California and Nevada, further exacerbating the flooding and flash flood risks.[7]
The San Diego Unified School District postponed the start of the school year by one day to assess the storm damage.[8] The district wanted to ensure that sites and offices were prepared to welcome students and families safely.[9] Several other schools in the region also closed due to the storm.
Emergency response efforts were underway at the state and local levels. The State Operations Center at the Governor's Office of Emergency Services was activated 24/7 to monitor the impacts of the storm, coordinate resources, and offer support.[10] The state was also coordinating with retailers, grocers, fuel suppliers, utility providers, and telecommunications companies to maintain essential services and ensure the availability of essential supplies.[10]
Through the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System, over 700 local government firefighters and support staff were deployed, along with swift water rescue teams and urban search and rescue companies.[10] The goal was to provide assistance and support to affected communities and ensure public safety.
Overall, Tropical Storm Hilary caused significant damage and disruption in Southern California.[11] The storm's heavy rain, flooding, and debris flows led to road closures, rescues, and the declaration of emergencies. Efforts were underway to respond to the impacts of the storm, provide support to affected communities, and ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
0. “How Hilary Turned Into a Monster Storm” WIRED, 21 Aug. 2023, https://www.wired.com/story/how-hilary-turned-into-a-monster-storm
1. “Sunday was the wettest August day ever in downtown LA. See Hilary rainfall totals” NBC Southern California, 21 Aug. 2023, https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/hurricane-tropical-storm-hilary-rain-totals-records/3210003/
2. “County Issues Proclamation in Anticipation of Tropical Cyclone Hilary Impacts” countynewscenter.com, 20 Aug. 2023, https://www.countynewscenter.com/county-issues-proclamation-in-anticipation-of-tropical-cyclone-hilary-impacts/
3. “Storm Hilary latest: Flood warnings expire as cyclone moves to Nevada” NPR, 21 Aug. 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/08/21/1195032403/hilary-california-flooding-storm-monday
4. “Here's how Hilary has impacted Arizona” The Arizona Republic, 21 Aug. 2023, https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-weather/2023/08/20/wheres-the-rain-how-hilary-has-impacted-arizona/70638348007/
5. “California braces for more flooding after Hilary drenches Los Angeles with record rain” CNBC, 21 Aug. 2023, https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/21/tropical-storm-hilary-drenches-southern-california.html
6. “Hurricane Hilary live updates: Hilary now category 1 hurricane as evacuations issued” ABC News, 20 Aug. 2023, https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/hurricane-hilary/hilary-weakens-to-category-1-hurricane-102400924?id=102393064
7. “Watch Hurricane Hilary hit California hours after earthquake in this satellite video” Space.com, 21 Aug. 2023, https://www.space.com/hurrican-hilary-satellite-images-above-earthquake-california
8. “Morning Report: How Hilary Hit San Diego” Voice of San Diego, 21 Aug. 2023, https://voiceofsandiego.org/2023/08/21/morning-report-how-hilary-hit-san-diego
9. “Aug. 21, 2023 School Schedule and Closure Updates | post” San Diego County Office of Education, 20 Aug. 2023, https://www.sdcoe.net/about-sdcoe/news/post/~board/news/post/aug-21-2023-school-schedule-and-closure-updates
10. “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
11. “What happened in San Bernardino County when Hurricane El Cordonazo arrived on land in 1939?” VVdailypress.com, 18 Aug. 2023, https://www.vvdailypress.com/story/news/2023/08/18/what-happened-in-san-bernardino-county-when-a-hurricane-arrived-in-1939/70617690007
