Hilary is a tropical storm and it could be the first tropical storm in 80 years to hit California
Tropical Storms and Climate Change in the Los Angeles, California, and Santa Barbara Areas During the First Three Days of September 24, 1939
A tropical storm watch means “that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours,” according to the National Hurricane Center. The watch is in effect from Mexico to California, along with the Los Angeles- Orange county line, and Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands.
The intensity of many extreme weather events have increased in recent decades. There is high confidence that human emissions of greenhouse gases are the primary driver of climate change, according to a press release today. This is the new normal and does not come as a surprise.
“Although it is too soon to determine the location and magnitude of these impacts, interests in these areas should monitor the progress of Hilary and updates to the forecast,” the NHC advised.
On September 24, 1939, a tropical storm left a trail of destruction and caused more than 5 inches of rain in Los Angeles in 24 hours, the NWS said. The flood killed 45 people and 48 people died out at sea. And at one point, the Eastern Coachella Valley was under 2 feet of water.
Only one storm in 1939 held its tropical storm strength until it hit San Diego. This weather is very unusual for the region.
Even though extreme storms are rare in Southern California, there are preparations in place. Anderson says many residents are already prepared for more frequent disasters like wildfires and earthquakes, and have plans in place if they need to leave.
KPBS reporter Erik Anderson says that there’s a lot of concern about the storm impacting the city of Tijuana. It’s a quickly growing city built on a hillside surrounded by canyons. Heavy rainfalls increase the chance of mudslides, which cause more problems and can be deadlier in Tijuana than San Diego.
Swain vs. Tinkertoys: Two-Day Rain Forecasts for the Deserts of Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona
“1976, Kathleen. 1977, Doereen. Tardy says there is “not many that we can look back historically that even had a forecast coming right at us.”
“We’re talking about the potential for multiple years worth of precipitation in just two days in some parts of the deserts of southeastern California, southern Nevada and western Arizona,” Swain said.
Flood watches are in effect from Mexico, north to Ventura, and inland to western Arizona, as torrential rains from what remains of Hurricane Hilary are expected to impact the West Coast and Southwest through the weekend.
Tropical storm watches were issued for the Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Orange County areas in California after Hurricane Hilary hit Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. Hilary is expected to bring heavy rains to the West Coast and Southwest United States through the weekend. “Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours,” the National Hurricane Center said.