Hurricane Hilary roared toward Mexico’s Baja California peninsula late Saturday as a downgraded but still dangerous Category 2 hurricane that’s likely to bring “catastrophic” flooding to the region and cross into the southwest U.S. as a tropical storm.
Meteorologists warned that despite the hurricane’s weakening, the storm’s speed had accelerated Saturday, and urged people to finish their preparations by sundown. By Sunday, one expert said, it would be too late. Forecasters said the storm is still expected to enter the history books as the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years, and bring along flash floods, mudslides, isolated tornadoes, high winds and widespread power outages.
Heavy rainfall and flooding began Saturday ahead of the storm’s expected Sunday crossing into the southwestern U.S., where it is expected to dump up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain in southern California and southern Nevada.
“This does not lessen the threat, especially the flood threat,” said Jamie Rhome, the U.S. National Hurricane Center’s deputy director, during a Saturday briefing to announce the storm’s downgraded status. “Don’t let the weakening trend and the intensity lower your guard.”
Meteorologists also expect the storm to churn up “life-threatening” surf conditions and rip currents — including towering waves up to 40 feet (12 meters) high — along Mexico’s Pacific coast. Dozens sought refuge at storm shelters in the twin resorts of Los Cabos, at the southern tip of the Baja peninsula, and firefighters used an inflatable boat to rescue a family in San Jose del Cabo after the resort was hit by driving rain and wind. In Tijuana, Rafael Carrillo voiced the fear that was at the back of everyone’s mind in the border city of 1.9 million, particularly residents who live in homes that cling precariously to steep hillsides.
”If you hear noises, or the ground cracking, it is important for you to check it and get out as fast as possible, because the ground can weaken and your home could collapse,” said Carrillo, head of the Tijuana fire department.That city ordered all beaches closed Saturday, and set up a half-dozen storm shelters at sports complexes and government offices.
HILARY HURRICANE CONDITION & RESPONSES
Life-Threatening Conditions Expected: Meteorologists highlight the potential for “life-threatening” surf conditions and rip currents along Mexico’s Pacific coast. The storm’s impacts are expected to include towering waves up to 40 feet high, prompting evacuation efforts and storm shelters.
Massive Evacuations and Emergency Operations: Mexico’s Navy evacuates hundreds from Baja coast islands and deploys thousands of troops for emergency response. In the U.S., evacuation warnings and advisories are issued in anticipation of the storm’s impact, with authorities taking measures to protect communities, including vulnerable populations like the homeless.
