Hurricane Hilary intensifies near Mexico, potential impact on California as an uncommon tropical storm.

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【Summary】Hurricane Hilary, a Category 4 storm, is heading towards Southern California, potentially becoming the state's first tropical storm in nearly a century. It is expected to reach Mexico's Baja California as a hurricane before weakening into a tropical storm. The storm could bring heavy rainfall and flooding to Southern California and parts of Nevada, with rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches expected. This is a significant event as California has not experienced a tropical storm since 1939.

FutureCar Staff Aug 18, 2023 8:43 AM PT

Hurricane Hilary intensifies near Mexico, potential impact on California as an uncommon tropical storm.

Hurricane Hilary, a Category 4 storm, has strengthened off the coast of Mexico and is heading towards the Southwest. This poses a threat of heavy rainfall and potential flooding in Southern California, which has not experienced a tropical storm in almost a century. The hurricane, named the eighth storm of the season, is projected to continue intensifying before weakening. It is expected to reach Mexico's Baja California as a hurricane on Saturday night and then be downgraded to a tropical storm as it moves towards Southern California on Sunday.

Meteorologists have warned that Hurricane Hilary could have significant and rare impacts, including flooding, in the Golden State. The storm is currently located about 400 miles south of Cabo San Lucas and is moving west-northwest at a speed of 13 mph. It is expected to pivot north on Saturday and move through the Baja California peninsula.

The Mexican government has extended its hurricane watch and tropical storm warning for parts of Baja California Sur state. Additionally, a tropical storm watch has been issued for parts of mainland Mexico. Hilary is expected to hit the coast between Playas de Rosarito and Ensenada before crossing the US border.

The National Hurricane Center has stated that heavy rainfall associated with Hilary will impact the Southwestern United States, with the highest peak expected on Sunday and Monday. There is a high risk of torrential rain and possible flash flooding from San Diego to Las Vegas. A flood watch has been issued for Los Angeles and Ventura counties in California.

Hilary formed 470 miles off the coast of Manzanillo on Wednesday and became a hurricane on Thursday. It has since escalated to a Category 4 storm. The system becomes a hurricane when sustained winds reach 74 mph, and at 111 mph, it becomes a major hurricane. The hurricane center has warned of rainfall amounts ranging from 3 to 6 inches, with isolated amounts of 10 inches in southern California and southern Nevada. Elsewhere in the Western United States, rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected.

Source: New York Post