"Unheard Of": Storm Expert Sends Warning To Californians — How Hurricane Hilary Could Make History

Southern California is preparing for potential havoc as Hurricane Hilary, currently a Category 4 storm, draws near. The unexpected meteorological event has put the region on high alert.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has sounded the alarm for Southern California, marking the first instance the area has received a tropical storm warning. The alert covers significant portions of San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles counties, and even extends to California's Catalina Island.

Although Hilary is predicted to lose some of its strength before reaching the coast, it's poised to deliver a deluge to California. Additionally, areas like the Los Angeles Basin might experience forceful winds in the storm's wake, CBS News reported. 

"Southern California witnessing a tropical system of this scale is almost unheard of in recent times," Dr. Greg Postel, an expert in hurricane and storm studies, told the outlet. 

As of Friday evening, Hilary's location was roughly 285 miles off the southernmost point of Baja California, with winds reaching up to 130 mph. The advisory from NHC emphasized severe flooding risks for Baja California and the Southwestern U.S. 

Also Read: Hurricane Hilary, Now A Category 4 Storm, Is Barreling Toward The Los Angeles Area

Weather predictions suggest Hilary will approach the west coast of the Baja California Peninsula during the weekend, making its way to Southern California by Sunday evening, according to CBS News. By then, it could be categorized as a tropical storm, the outlet noted. The impending storm is likely to cause intense rainfall, leading to potential flash floods in certain parts of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula and southern California.

After enduring an unusually wet winter, California might be somewhat prepared for Hilary's onslaught. Chris Heiser, the emergency services chief for San Diego, indicated to CBS News that past storms have offered valuable lessons in handling such weather conditions. Yet, the expected rainfall from Hilary, especially in the mountain regions, presents new challenges.

Proactive measures are underway, with the erection of protective berms at Capistrano Beach in Dana Point and the activation of 100 National Guard troops in Nevada, according to the outlet. The U.S. Navy is reportedly relocating its vessels from San Diego Bay as a precautionary step. The National Park Service has also initiated preventive closures, targeting Joshua Tree National Park areas susceptible to severe flooding. 

This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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