In a year of extreme weather, a tropical storm has made landfall in California. The last time a tropical storm landed in the state was in 1939 when a tropical storm flooded Los Angeles and killed nearly 100 people.
The storm began as Hurricane Hilary before being downgraded to a tropical storm leading up to its landfall in Baja California, Mexico on Sunday. The storm caused one fatality and extensive flooding in Mexico. The storm then moved into the southwestern region of the United States and weakened into a post-tropical cyclone.
California has been struck with record-breaking torrential downpours and dangerous flash flooding. Sunday was the wettest day ever recorded in San Diego and Death Valley National Park received a year’s worth of rain in one day. Landslides have also posed a hazard in certain areas of California.
Southern California experienced a 5.1 magnitude earthquake simultaneous to the danger posed by the tropical storm. Luckily, no major damages or injuries have been reported due to the earthquake or storm thus far.
Los Angeles and San Diego both have opened shelters for the homeless so they can safely seek refuge from the storm. It is reported that thousands of people in Los Angeles are without power.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, and FEMA personnel have been positioned to assist and provide supplies. Hundreds of California National Guard troops and thousands of other workers have been deployed to assist areas affected by the storm.
“California has thousands of people on the ground working hand-in-hand with federal and local personnel to support communities in Hurricane Hilary’s path with resources, equipment, and expertise,” Governor Newsom stated.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency to prepare residents for possible flash flooding. 100 Nevada National Guard troops have been activated to assist in relief operations due to the storm.
Warnings for flash floods have been issued as far north as Oregon and Idaho as the remnants of the storm move into those areas. Though the storm has significantly weakened, it is important to note that the remainder of it still poses a risk to millions.
Hilary has come on the heels of ferocious wildfires that have caused widespread devastation in Canada and Hawaii. All of the severe weather that has been occurring recently will undoubtedly increase the discussion and debate surrounding climate change and the measures needed as more disasters take place.
