Hurricane Hilary targets Southern California

A rare hurricane is expected to hit Southern California, bringing dangerous winds, heavy rain, and the risk of flooding.

The National Weather Service has issued a warning about potential flooding, fire risk, and dangerous marine conditions. Forecasters predict that a rare hurricane will hit Southern California as early as Sunday morning, bringing with it dangerous 70mph winds and heavy rain. Tropical Storm Hilary, currently brewing in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Mainland Mexico, is expected to develop into a hurricane by Thursday afternoon and a major hurricane by Saturday morning.

By Sunday afternoon, Hilary is expected to weaken into a lesser hurricane and make landfall in Southern California, potentially affecting Los Angeles as a tropical storm. It is worth noting that only two full-blown tropical storms have hit the California coast in the last century.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has advised residents to monitor the progress of Hilary and stay updated with the forecast. While it is still too early to determine the exact location and magnitude of rainfall and wind impacts, the agency warns that interests in the affected areas should remain vigilant.

The National Hurricane Center has also stated that large swells from Hilary will spread northward along the coast of southwestern Mexico and the Baja California Peninsula in the coming days. However, accurately predicting the track of the hurricane has proven to be difficult, making it uncertain which areas will be most affected.

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles has emphasized the risk of isolated flooding and the potential for lightning, which, combined with strong winds but without rain, could pose a fire danger. Additionally, the storm could bring dangerously large waves, creating hazardous marine conditions along the coast.

While the ultimate track and impacts of the hurricane remain uncertain, forecasters have noted that there is a high likelihood of moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly south of Pt. Conception. Residents of California are advised to closely monitor the situation and stay informed about any updates or changes in the forecast.

It is important to mention that no tropical cyclone has ever made landfall in California at hurricane intensity in recorded history. The upcoming storm would be the third to hit the California coast in the last century, following Hurricane Nora in 1997 (which was downgraded to a tropical storm) and the Long Beach tropical storm in 1939.