UNITED STATES: Hurricane Hilary entered California after causing flash floods in Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. A single fatality was reported in Mexico, with several roads washed away and torrents spilling down city streets. Social media images showed roaring torrents spilling down streets that had transformed into rivers.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for Southern California due to flash flood warnings until 3 a.m., predicting 5 to 10 inches of rain in mountain and desert areas.
The San Gabriel Mountains and Ventura County coastal areas experienced significant flooding due to the first tropical storm to impact Los Angeles County since 1939. Experts predict similar rainfall.
The National Weather Service warned of potentially fatal floods in Ventura County, where up to 2 inches of rain fell in just two hours. Autos were trapped in Spanish Hills, and firefighters were performing swift water rescues.
Palm Springs, a desert retreat in Riverside County, experienced the most significant rainfall in its history, with streets quickly becoming inundated. The situation highlights the urgent need for emergency preparedness in Southern California.
“That’s how quickly this system is moving. Take nothing for granted,” Newsom advised at a press conference in Los Angeles after updating US President Joe Biden, who had instructed government agencies to send troops and supplies to the area.
Rancho Mirage residents experienced a shockwave as water and debris flowed through closed highways, stranding at least one pickup truck. Residents were shocked by the situation, with one resident observing more downed trees and a large tree collapsed.
Hilary, located 105 miles northwest of San Diego, experienced 45 mph winds and was heading north-northwest. Hundreds of flights were cancelled in San Diego, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles, and professional sporting events were postponed.
Los Angeles Unified School District and San Diego Unified School District cancelled classes. Southern California beaches were battered by dangerous waves, and the Los Angeles River experienced floodwaters. Rock slides in Ocotillo caused road backups in Arizona.
Hurricane Hilary has forced 1,900 people to shelters in the northern Baja California peninsula of Mexico, with low-income areas being particularly vulnerable due to a lack of building rules.
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