Tropical Storm Hilary, having weakened from its previous Category 1 hurricane status, is on course to strike Southern California, an unusual occurrence for the region. Authorities have taken proactive measures, including evacuations and closures of parks and beaches, in anticipation of potential flooding, forceful winds, and heavy rainfall.

Hilary currently maintains maximum sustained winds of 70 miles per hour while moving north-northwest at a speed of approximately 25 mph, as reported by the National Hurricane Center. Positioned about 220 miles south-southeast of San Diego around 7:45 a.m. local time on Sunday, the storm continues to pose a significant risk.

Hilary is expected to deliver a formidable impact, particularly in the Southwest. The National Hurricane Center has warned of “catastrophic and life-threatening” flooding in the affected areas.

The storm’s arrival has already commenced, evident through the onset of rain and strong winds across Southern California and surrounding regions. The situation is projected to escalate further as the day progresses.

Weather forecasts anticipate Hilary to unleash between 3 to 6 inches of rainfall, with potential for up to 10 inches in certain locales. Additionally, the storm’s powerful winds could lead to widespread power outages. The most adverse conditions are forecasted to manifest from Sunday afternoon, extending into Monday.

Governor Gavin Newsom of California has declared a state of emergency for a substantial portion of Southern California, aiming to bolster hurricane response and recovery efforts. Acknowledging the unprecedented nature of the impending storm, Newsom emphasized a comprehensive government response to ensure public safety and mitigate potential damages.