Posted BY: | NwoReport
Tropical Storm Hilary wreaked havoc across arid parts of Mexico before unleashing heavy rainfall on Southern California, reaching from the coast to the desert city of Palm Springs and inland mountains. The storm led to dramatic rescue operations as swollen rivers posed threats to the safety of residents. Although the storm’s intensity diminished along the coast, its aftermath still brought forth the potential for flooding and mudslides across southwestern portions of the United States.
Making landfall on Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Hilary first struck sparsely populated areas, causing one fatality due to drowning. The storm then moved through Tijuana, an area prone to mudslides, endangering makeshift homes clinging to hillsides near the U.S. border. Notably, Hilary marked the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years, inundating regions with more than half the usual annual rainfall, including Palm Springs, which saw nearly 3.18 inches (8 centimeters) of rain by Sunday evening.
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While the National Hurricane Center downgraded Hilary to a post-tropical storm, it emphasized the ongoing threat of life-threatening flooding and mudslides across the southwestern U.S. On record as the wettest day in San Diego, the storm unleashed 1.82 inches (4.6 centimeters) of rain, surpassing the previous record set post-Hurricane Doreen in 1977. The storm’s impact on the education system was significant, with numerous school districts across the region, including the Los Angeles Unified School District, announcing closures due to safety concerns.
As Hilary continued its northward trajectory over California and Nevada, its effects remained substantial. Despite its weakening, the storm was predicted to bring very heavy rain and strong winds. The situation was compounded by a 5.1 magnitude earthquake that rattled Southern California. Tropical Storm Hilary adds to the series of recent climate disasters affecting the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. From devastating wildfires to widespread flooding, the increasing frequency and severity of these events highlight the urgent need for preparedness and mitigation strategies. In the face of this multifaceted climate crisis, communities and authorities continue to grapple with the dynamic challenges posed by extreme weather events, necessitating ongoing efforts to enhance resilience and adapt to a changing climate.
