UNITED STATES: A seemingly innocuous tropical depression originating off the Pacific Coast of Central America has rapidly transformed into the formidable Hurricane Hilary, on a trajectory towards Southern California.
This impending hurricane is poised to be the first tropical storm to strike the region in over 80 years.
In a surprising twist, the once calm tropical depression escalated into a powerful Category 4 hurricane within just two days, catching both meteorologists and residents off guard.
With sustained winds reaching an astonishing 145 mph (233 kph), Hurricane Hilary is charting a course northward towards Baja California. According to AccuWeather forecasts, landfall is anticipated on Sunday, August 20.
Thankfully, experts anticipate a decrease in Hilary’s intensity before it reaches land, possibly downgrading it to a Category 1 hurricane or even a weaker tropical storm.
The evolution of Hurricane Hilary has been meticulously tracked by the GOES-18 weather satellite, operated by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, offering a vivid depiction of its rapid development.
This unexpected natural phenomenon has already disrupted plans beyond weather forecasts, leading to the cancellation of a scheduled Starlink launch by SpaceX from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The cancellation was attributed to unfavorable conditions in the path of Hilary. SpaceX is now targeting the next launch window no earlier than Monday, August 21.
The impending arrival of Hurricane Hilary marks a historic moment for Southern California, as it signifies the first time a hurricane or tropical storm is making landfall in the region since 1939.
Weather experts predict significant consequences, including substantial rainfall across the southwestern United States, with the potential for flash floods spanning from San Diego to Las Vegas.
Reports indicate that rainfall amounts could even reach up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) in parts of southern California and southern Nevada.
Although currently positioned away from the coast, the influence of Hurricane Hilary is already being felt along the coastal regions of Mexico, with powerful winds, storm surges, and heavy rainfall making their presence known. As the storm’s trajectory unfolds, communities are preparing for an unprecedented weather event.
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