As Hurricane Hilary barrels toward Mexico’s Baja California and prepares to make a historic impact on Southern California, authorities are bracing for the potentially catastrophic and life-threatening flooding that could ensue. With evacuation plans underway and shelters being set up, the region is taking proactive measures to mitigate the damage caused by this unprecedented storm.
Having gained strength quickly early Friday, Hurricane Hilary is currently categorized as a major Category 3 hurricane, with sustained maximum winds of 125 mph (205 kph). It is expected to make landfall on Mexico’s Baja peninsula, then surge northward towards Southern California. If Hilary follows this anticipated trajectory, it will become the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years.
Southern Baja California is taking precautions as Hilary approaches its shores. The city of Tijuana, with its precarious hillside housing, is particularly vulnerable to dangerous flooding caused by heavy rainfall. Mayor Montserrat Caballero Ramirez has announced the establishment of four shelters in high-risk areas and is urging residents in risky zones to exercise caution and take necessary measures to protect themselves.
As the storm tracks northward, officials in Southern California are not taking any chances. National Park Service authorities closed Joshua Tree National Park and Mojave National Preserve to safeguard visitors from potential flooding. Sandbags are being distributed to fortify properties, and homeless individuals living in susceptible riverbeds are being urged by deputies of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department to seek shelter.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center has issued tropical storm and potential flood warnings for a wide area encompassing Southern California, including coastal regions, interior mountains, and deserts. Catalina Island, offshore from the mainland, is also being considered as a potential evacuation zone. Major League Baseball games originally scheduled for Sunday have been rescheduled as part of split-doubleheaders on Saturday.
President Joe Biden informed the public that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has positioned staff and supplies in the region to respond effectively to the aftermath of Hurricane Hilary. State and local officials are urging residents to take necessary precautions and heed evacuation orders.
As Hurricane Hilary bears down on Baja California and Southern California, the potential for catastrophic flooding looms large. The region is mobilizing its resources to protect vulnerable communities, evacuate those in harm’s way, and mitigate the risks associated with this historic storm. Residents are urged to stay informed, follow official guidance, and prioritize their safety during this challenging time.
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