A major weather event is unfolding as Hurricane Hilary intensifies into an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm over the Pacific. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued severe warnings of impending catastrophic and life-threatening flooding for parts of Mexico and the southwestern United States.
The storm is currently churning its way north-northwestward, posing the most significant threat to Mexico's Baja California peninsula. Forecasters predict Hilary will bring torrential rains, with the potential for flash flooding and mudslides across the region.
Timeline and Projected Path
As of the latest NHC advisory, the storm's centre is expected to approach the Baja California peninsula over the weekend. The impacts, however, will be felt far in advance of its arrival.
Key projections include:
- Heavy rainfall beginning late Friday for parts of the Southwestern US.
- A high risk of flash flooding for areas including Baja California and Southern California.
- Potential for Hilary to still be a hurricane when it approaches the west coast of the Baja California peninsula on Sunday.
- Weakening to tropical storm status before it crosses the US-Mexico border, but retaining immense moisture.
Unprecedented Warnings for the West
In a rare move, the NHC has issued a tropical storm watch for Southern California, marking the first such alert for the region in decades. This underscores the highly unusual and dangerous nature of this weather system.
Meteorologists are particularly concerned about the rainfall totals. Some isolated areas could see up to 10 inches (25 cm) of rain, an amount that is almost unheard of in the arid climate of the southwestern US and northwestern Mexico. This level of precipitation is expected to cause severe flooding in urban areas and dangerous debris flows in mountainous regions.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to closely monitor the progress of Hurricane Hilary and to follow all advice from local authorities. Preparations for potential flooding and power outages should be completed as soon as possible.
