Storm Hilary brought heavy rainfall, flooding, and mudslides to Southern California, causing damage across the region. Despite the severity of the storm, no deaths in the United States were attributed to it. The storm’s impact was felt particularly in California, where it arrived as a rare tropical storm, breaking records for its downpour.
The National Weather Service reported that Hilary dumped approximately 4 to 5 inches (10 to 12 cm) of rain on coastal areas and over 10 inches (25 cm) in mountainous regions. Meteorologist Richard Thompson noted that this was the first landfalling tropical storm in Southern California since September 25, 1939. In areas more accustomed to drought, flash floods surged through desert plains and mountain canyons, leading to road washouts.
Despite the storm’s impact on the US, it also caused a fatality in Mexico. Mexican officials reported that one man died when his family was swept away while attempting to cross a stream. The storm’s effects were alarming for many residents, such as Ronald Mendiola, whose family, including a 2-year-old, sought refuge on their home’s roof in Cathedral City.
The remnants of Storm Hilary were forecasted to bring heavy rains to Nevada, Utah, and the Northwest, leaving over 4 million people under the threat of flooding until Monday night.
Speaking to media aboard Air Force One, FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell commended Californians for heeding their local officials’ advice and taking necessary preparedness measures to protect their families from the storm’s impact.
In addition to the heavy rainfall, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck near the town of Ojai in southern California, though immediate reports did not indicate any significant damage or casualties.
As of Sunday afternoon, Storm Hilary’s core had reached California with maximum sustained winds of 60 miles (95 kilometers) per hour. Prior to impacting California, the storm had moved up Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, an uncommon occurrence for southern California. The storm was moving at a swift pace of 23 mph (37 kph).
In response to the storm’s impact, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for a significant portion of the southern part of the state and urged residents to prioritize their safety during this challenging period.
