Tropical Storm Hilary live: Magnitude 5.0 earthquake hits as California braced for ‘life-threatening’ floods
Hurricane Hilary has now weakened into a tropical storm, according to forecasters, but officials warn that the weather pattern is bringing dangerous conditions to coastal Mexico and the US Southwest.
The remnants of the hurricane made landfall on Sunday in a sparsely populated area about 150 miles norther of Ensenada, Mexico, according to forecasters.
As California began experiencing the worst of the storm on Sunday afternoon, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck in Ventura County.
Even before the centre of the storm began passing over land, Mexico’s Baja peninsula was inundated, with flood waters washing layers of earth over towns like Santa Rosalía.
The storm is expected to dissipate on Monday.
Key Points
Hurricane Hilary bearing down on US as officials warn of ‘very dangerous’ Category 2 storm
Hurricane Hilary may dump more than a year’s worth of rain on the southwest
Southern California gets first ever tropical storm watch as Hurricane Hilary approaches
When is Hurricane Hilary supposed to hit California?
What is the path of Hurricane Hillary?
Preparations for flooding should be ‘completed as soon as possible'
Hilary downgraded to post-tropical cyclone
11:00 , Rachel Sharp
Hilary has now been downgraded from a tropical storm to a post-tropical cyclone, according to an early morning update from the National Hurricane Center.
The National Weather Service defines a post-tropical cyclone as a cyclone that no longer possesses sufficient tropical characteristics to be considered a tropical cyclone.
Post-tropical cyclones can however continue to carry heavy rains and high winds.
Despite the downgrading, the extreme weather event is continuing to cause chaos across southern California, flooding streets and roads, downing power lines and plunging homes into darkness.
WATCH: Tropical Storm Hilary crumbles road in California as heavy rain hits state
10:40 , Rachel Sharp
Did Hurricane Hilary make landfall?
10:20 , Rachel Sharp
Hurricane Hilary weakened into a tropical storm before making landfall on Sunday.
Tropical Storm Hilary made landfall in the Baja California peninsula of Mexico and made its way up the West Coast into the southern US.
It is now hammering southern California with “life-threatening” conditions, flooding streets and roads, downing power lines and plunging homes into darkness.
Los Angeles and San Diego are under tropical storm warnings with officials warning residents to shelter away from “catastrophic and life-threatening flooding”.
In Palm Springs, officials revealed that the storm had knocked out its 911 emergency phone system on Sunday night, while two people had to be rescued from floodwaters in Ventura County. A search was initially under way for a third person before officials said there was no one else believed to be in the river.
The storm – the first tropical storm to hit California since Nora in 1997 – is causing chaos across southern California, flooding streets and roads, downing power lines and plunging homes into darkness.
How the climate crisis made Tropical Storm Hilary stronger
10:01 , Josh Marcus
The climate crisis is making tropical storms stronger. Here’s why.
Hurricanes are getting stronger. Here’s why
What is 'hurriquake'?
09:30 , Stuti Mishra
The term "hurriquake" began trending on social media on Sunday as a magnitude 5.1 earthquake hit Southern California while it was being lashed by thunderstorms from hurricane Hilary.
The two disasters, seen as being quite distinct despite happening at the same time, surprised many social media users and scientists, who said it is a rare phenomenon.
But might there be a connection between the two?
According to the US Geological Survey there is little probability of the events being connected.
However, there is some research on the subject.
Dr Marshall Sheperd, the director of the University of Georgia’s Atmospheric Sciences Programme, writes in Forbes that a Stony Brook University study demonstrates that stress on California’s famed fault lines is higher in years with more rainfall.
ICYMI: Tropical Storm Hilary makes landfall, bringing risk of tornadoes and flooding for millions in California
09:01 , Josh Marcus
The remnants of Hurricane Hilary made landfall as a major tropical storm in northwestern Mexico on Sunday, bring the risk of heavy rains and flash floods to millions.
The storm hit a sparsely populated area about 150 miles norther of Ensenada, Mexico, according to forecasters.
Even before the centre of the storm began passing over land, Mexico’s Baja peninsula was inundated, with flood waters washing layers of earth over towns like Santa Rosalía.
The extreme weather, expected to pass over Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon, has claimed at least one fatality already, a man in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur who was swept away in a stream on Saturday as he and his family attempted to cross by car, according to officials from the Mulege township.
Tropical Storm Hilary makes landfall, as 9m in California under flood warning
PHOTOS: Tropical storm Hilary inundates California streets
08:30 , Stuti Mishra
ICYMI: Magnitude 5.1 earthquake hits Ventura County as Tropical Storm Hilary arrives in Southern California
07:59 , Josh Marcus
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck Southern California on Sunday afternoon as the region prepares for the imminent arrival of Tropical Storm Hilary, which is expected to cause record rainfalls and flooding.
The quake was centered in Ventura County, about 4 miles southeast of Ojai, which sits 80 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
The earthquake, which was reported around 2.40pm, caused four aftershocks, each with a magnitude of 3 or greater, according to the US Geological Survey.
Magnitude 5.1 earthquake hits outside LA as Tropical Storm Hilary lands in California
Another tropical storm, Emily, forms in Atlantic
07:30 , Stuti Mishra
One of several budding storm systems in the Atlantic Ocean became tropical storm Emily on Sunday, according to the National Hurricane Center, as California and Mexico continue to face dangerous flooding due to storm Hilary.
Emily was far from land, moving west in the open ocean, the NHC said.
Also, tropical storm Franklin formed in the eastern Caribbean while tropical storm watches were issued for the southern coasts of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Shelter in place order issued for Forest Falls, Oak Glen Road
07:10 , Stuti Mishra
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department has issued a Shelter In Place order for residents in Forest Falls and parts of Oak Glen.
"Due to the current rain, there is mud and debris blocking the roadway. A SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER is now in effect for the community of Forest Falls, and residents on Oak Glen Road, from Casa Blanca Street to Harris Road."
Map for Shelter In Place Order for Oak Glen Road from Casa Blanca Street to Harris Road pic.twitter.com/MtSmUNluqn
— San Bernardino County Sheriff (@sbcountysheriff) August 21, 2023
Hilary could bring once-in-a-century rains to other western states
06:50 , Stuti Mishra
Tropical storm Hilary, which has inundated cities across California and Mexico's arid Baja region, could also hit other western states of the US with once-in-a-century rains.
Forecasts show there is a good chance of the storm becoming the wettest known tropical cyclone to douse Nevada, Oregon and Idaho.
As of Sunday night local time, Hilary was was expected to remain a tropical storm into central Nevada on Monday before dissipating.
Palm Springs declares ‘local emergency’ as ‘critically dangerous impacts’ of Hilary continue
06:30 , Stuti Mishra
Local officials in Palm Springs declared an emergency over the arrival of Tropical Storm Hilary on Sunday, citing flooding, “unprecedented” rainfall, and a rescue of a local resident.
PALM SPRINGS CITY MANAGER DECLARES LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO IMPACTS OF HURRICANE HILARY Due to unprecedented rainfall & flooding of local roadways and at least one swift water rescue, City Manager Scott Stiles has declared a local emergency due to the critically dangerous impacts.
— City of Palm Springs (@CityofPS) August 20, 2023
Las Vegas airport loses power as Tropical Storm Hilary arrives
06:10 , Stuti Mishra
Inclement weather conditions from Tropical Storm Hilary have partially knocked out power to Las Vegas’s Harry Reid International Airport, according to local reporters.
After hundreds of flights were delayed or canceled due to Tropical Storm Hilary, a power outage is now affecting several areas of Terminal 1 at Harry Reid International Airport @News3LV #WeatherAuthority #TropicalStormHilary pic.twitter.com/20A007gDlh
— Ambar Rodriguez (@AmbarNews3LV) August 20, 2023
'Life-threatening’ flooding in parts of Ventura County
05:50 , Stuti Mishra
The National Weather Service (NWS) has said that there is “life-threatening flooding” in Ventura County
The office said there is “dangerous flooding” is in the area between Point Dume, Point Mugu, Camarillo, Westlake Village, Somis and Spanish Hills.
“This is life-threatening flooding.”
HEADS UP!!!!!
DANGEROUS FLOODING IN THE AREA BETWEEN POINT DUME...POINT MUGU...CAMARILLO...WESTLAKE VILLAGE...SOMIS AND SPANISH HILLS.
THIS IS LIFE THREATENING FLOODING!!!!!! #CAwx— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) August 21, 2023
Biden issues statement on storm Hilary
05:32 , Stuti Mishra
President Joe Biden has urged residents to take storm Hilary "seriously" assuring that his administration is monitoring the developing situation.
"As soon as Tropical Storm Hilary’s path became clear, my Administration took immediate action to prepare: deploying personnel and supplies, and planning rapid response and search-and-rescue efforts," Mr Biden wrote on Twitter.
"My Administration stands ready to provide additional assistance and will continue coordinating with California, Nevada, and Arizona. We will also continue monitoring the Southern California earthquake and any resulting impacts."
As soon as Tropical Storm Hilary’s path became clear, my Administration took immediate action to prepare: deploying personnel and supplies, and planning rapid response and search-and-rescue efforts.
My Administration stands ready to provide additional assistance and will…— President Biden (@POTUS) August 21, 2023
Photo shows packed California State Operations Center monitoring Tropical Storm Hilary
05:01 , Josh Marcus
California has mobilised numerous resources to respond to Tropical Storm Hilary, including declaring a state disaster, activating national guardsmen, and embedded a federal FEMA team with state officials.
Monitoring the action are numerous state employees at the State Operations Center.
In addition to our response to storm impacts in Southern California, the State Operations Center is closely monitoring & coordinating with our local partners on the estimated 5.1 magnitude earthquake that hit near Ojai.
It’s an important reminder to always be prepared. pic.twitter.com/OYWN1VJczy— California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (@Cal_OES) August 20, 2023
Drone footage shows flooding in Mexico as Tropical Storm Hilary continues
04:01 , Josh Marcus
Tropical Storm Hilary is now moving into the US.
The storm left behind flooding across Mexico’s Baja peninsula, as captured in drone footage by Jordan Hall.
🌀 As outer bands from Tropical Storm #Hilary begin to lash the US/Mexico border, flash flooding has begun.
Check out this drone video from Storm Chaser @jordanhallwx from Ocotillo, CA. #cawx pic.twitter.com/Wk8FtnPWnH— MyRadar Weather (@MyRadarWX) August 20, 2023
‘Do not tempt fate,’ National Weather Service warns of Storm Hilary
03:01 , Josh Marcus
The National Weather Service on Sunday warned people not to “tempt fate” by driving through flooded roadways unless absolutely necessary, sharing a video of flooding in the normally arid desert city of Palm Springs.
Potentially historic amount of rainfall is expected to cause life-threatening to locally catastrophic flash, urban, and arroyo flooding including landslides, mudslides, and debris flows. Among other preparations, remember that driving through flooded roadways is NOT be an option. pic.twitter.com/FN88Rl24LX
— National Weather Service (@NWS) August 20, 2023
Hospital running on generator power as LA begins to flood
02:00 , Josh Marcus
The heart of Tropical Storm Hilary is beginning to pass over Las Angeles and throughout Southern California.
Heavy rains from the storm are causing flooding around the region, including at Rancho Mirage’s Eisenhower hospital, which is running on generator power, according to NBC Los Angeles.
Flooding inside Eisenhower hospital in Rancho Mirage
A hospital employee says they’re running on generator power@NBCLA pic.twitter.com/OvCPZZgBap— Chase Cain (@ChaseCainNBC) August 20, 2023
Death Valley receives ‘unprecedented’ levels of rain from Hilary
01:30 , Josh Marcus
Flash flooding shut down California’s famous Death Valley National Park, as Tropical Storm Hilary brings unusual weather conditions throughout the Southwest.
The National Parks Service said in a statement it received an inch of rain by the middle of Sunday and expected “unprecedented” levels of precipitation overnight, the agency said in a statement to The Las Vegas Review-Journal.
‘It wasn’t the rain that was causing damage but the storm surge'
Monday 21 August 2023 00:56 , Josh Marcus
As California prepares for the worst of Tropical Storm Hilary to arrive, Mexico is beginning to deal with its aftermath.
Dangerous seas caused extensive damage in the remote western edge of Baja California Sur.
“It wasn’t the rain that was causing damage but the storm surge,” Erick Zúñiga Rojas, a local delegate for the Mulegé municipality, told The New York Times. “All the flooding was coming from the ocean.”
Street flooding seen in Sherman Oaks as Hilary arrives in LA
Monday 21 August 2023 00:26 , Josh Marcus
Heavy street flooding has begin in Los Angeles with the arrival of Tropical Storm Hilary.
FOX LA reporter Christine Devine captured footage of emergency vehicles driving through the waters.
In just 1 hour. street flooding in Sherman Oaks on Ventura Boulevard.
Emergency crews out in force.
Can’t believe how much water runoff there is in just a short amount of time.@FOXLA pic.twitter.com/wnlwzqFiiY— Christine Devine (@DevineNews) August 20, 2023
Tropical Storm Hilary makes landfall, bringing risk of tornadoes and flooding for millions in California
Sunday 20 August 2023 23:40 , Josh Marcus
The remnants of Hurricane Hilary made landfall as a major tropical storm in northwestern Mexico on Sunday, bring the risk of heavy rains and flash floods to millions.
The storm hit a sparsely populated area about 150 miles norther of Ensenada, Mexico, according to forecasters.
Even before the centre of the storm began passing over land, Mexico’s Baja peninsula was inundated, with flood waters washing layers of earth over towns like Santa Rosalía.
The extreme weather, expected to pass over Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon, has claimed at least one fatality already, a man in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur who was swept away in a stream on Saturday as he and his family attempted to cross by car, according to officials from the Mulege township.
More details in our full story.
Tropical Storm Hilary makes landfall, as 9m in California under flood warning
It’s one disaster after another in Southern California as earthquake hits
Sunday 20 August 2023 23:19 , Josh Marcus
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck Southern California on Sunday afternoon as the region prepares for the imminent arrival of Tropical Storm Hilary, which is expected to cause record rainfalls and flooding.
The quake was centered in Ventura County, about 4 miles southeast of Ojai, which sits 80 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
The earthquake, which was reported around 2.40pm, caused four aftershocks, each with a magnitude of 3 or greater, according to the US Geological Survey.
Follow the latest details in our breaking news story.
Meanwhile in Orange County...
Sunday 20 August 2023 23:00 , Josh Marcus
The US Coast Guard is warning of heavy, dangerous surf that will arrive as Tropical Storm Hilary passes over Los Angeles and its surrounding counties.
That didn’t stop surfers in Laguna Beach from grabbing a few more waves, as Andrew Turner of the Daily Pilot captured in this video clip.
Tropical Storm Hilary is rolling in. Surf's up at Rockpile Beach in Laguna Beach. #TropicalStormHilary @TheDailyPilot @CarolCormaci @lillibirds pic.twitter.com/0bDPsLRPDg
— Andrew Turner (@AndrewTurnerTCN) August 20, 2023
PHOTO: California governor signs state of emergency declaration on hood of humvee
Sunday 20 August 2023 22:30 , Josh Marcus
As Tropical Storm Hilary barreled towards California, governor Gavin Newsom signed a declaration establishing a State of Emergency for much of Southern California.
He signed the decree on the hood of a National Guard humvee and urged residents to “stay safe and listen to emergency officials.”
Stay safe, California. https://t.co/dVweHiD1Qa
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) August 20, 2023
Hilary could bring winds of 75 mph to San Diego
Sunday 20 August 2023 22:00 , Josh Marcus
Tropical Storm Hilary may be weakening as it heads north, but it still will be a powerful weather system as it travels over California this afternoon.
The storm will bring gusts of up to 75mph and sustained winds of 35mph to the San Diego area, according to NBC 7 meteorologist Brooke Martell.
Nevada city prepares for flooding with sand bags
Sunday 20 August 2023 21:31 , Josh Marcus
The city of Henderson, Nevada, is one of many places across the Southwestern US bracing for heavy winds and flooding ahead of the arrival of Tropical Storm Hilary.
The storm is expected to linger over the US until Monday.
Preparations continue for anticipated heavy rainfall.☔️
Sandbags will be available at Heritage Park Senior Facility and Whitney Ranch Recreation Center for pickup starting at 9am.
Please stay safe! Visit https://t.co/Y9s9V8sIAL for helpful flood safety tips. pic.twitter.com/sJMwjZSkdr— City of Henderson (@cityofhenderson) August 20, 2023
Los Angeles flooding begins before Hilary arrives in city
Sunday 20 August 2023 21:01 , Josh Marcus
Los Angeles is already flooding, even though Tropical Storm Hilary isn’t expected to pass over the city until later this afternoon.
NBC Los Angeles reporter Alex Rozier captured a video showed cars and busses struggling through flooded streets on Sunday morning.
We just pulled out from the Universal lot and we’ve already seen several streets and intersections flooded. Please be safe! Coverage all day live on @NBCLA #Hilary pic.twitter.com/q7Yg8uDt3q
— Alex Rozier (@AlexNBCLA) August 20, 2023
Flash flood warning covering millions issued for Los Angeles
Sunday 20 August 2023 21:00 , Josh Marcus
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning covering millions of people in the Los Angeles area.
The danger zone encompasses over 9 million people in Los Angeles and outlying communities including Long Beach, Malibu, and the San Fernando Valley.
The warning lasts until 7.45pm Sunday evening.
Flash Flood Warning including Los Angeles CA, Long Beach CA and Glendale CA until 7:45 PM PDT pic.twitter.com/K3rQkL8M8u
— @NWSFlashFlood (@NWSFlashFlood) August 20, 2023
Tornadoes could form in Southern California as Tropical Storm Hilary advances
Sunday 20 August 2023 20:40 , Josh Marcus
There’s a highly likelihood that the Southern California desert will see the rare sight of tornadoes on Sunday because of Tropical Storm Hilary.
The National Weather Service said on Sunday that there’s a 40 per cent chance of a Tornado Watch in the area near Palm Springs.
Tornado Watch possible (40%) for southeastern California this afternoon. Stay tuned for updates as we collaborate on the forecast with the @NWSSPC .#CAwx https://t.co/lWyC4Gamq6
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) August 20, 2023
City workers prepare for flooding in LA’s Union Station with pumps and sandbags
Sunday 20 August 2023 20:20 , Josh Marcus
Municipal workers in Los Angeles on Sunday prepared for the arrival of Tropical Storm Hilary by deploying sand bags and water pumps at the Union Station rail hub.
Metro Los Angeles captured photos of the preparations.
They don’t seem too worried in Orange County...
Sunday 20 August 2023 19:59 , Josh Marcus
Tropical Storm Hilary is expected to bring heavy winds, rains, and large waves throughout Southern California, but the surfers of Orange County seem to be relishing the conditions.
Surf photographer Ricky Blake captured this scene this morning in northern Orange County.
Tropical Storm Hilary makes landfall
Sunday 20 August 2023 19:35 , Josh Marcus
Tropical Storm Hilary officially made landfall in North America on Sunday, as the center of the powerful storm touched down in norther Baja California, according to the National Hurricane Center.
“Tropical storm conditions and heavy rains already affecting portions of the southwestern United States,” the center wrote on X.
#Hilary makes landfall in northern Baja California. Tropical storm conditions and heavy rains already affecting portions of the southwestern United States. pic.twitter.com/OS9EYPUM0y
— NHC Eastern Pacific (@NHC_Pacific) August 20, 2023
‘Torrential’ rainfall in Southern California possible for Sunday
Sunday 20 August 2023 19:20 , Josh Marcus
Southern California could experience “torrential rainfall” later this afternoon as Tropical Storm Hilary continues its advance northwards, according to the National Weather Service.
[9:50 AM Radar]: Widespread rain continues to stream northward this morning. Rain intensity will increase, likely peaking this afternoon and evening, when torrential rainfall will be possible. Make sure you have WEA enabled for when warnings are issued for your area.#CAwx pic.twitter.com/pGu9rwK57Q
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) August 20, 2023
A warning from CAL FIRE: Don’t mess around with moving water
Sunday 20 August 2023 19:00 , Josh Marcus
California fire officials are urging members of the public not to ignore the risks of even a few inches of flood water.
According to CAL FIRE, even 6 inches of moving water can knock over and carry an adult away, while only a foot of water is needed to move a car.
Keep traveling to a minimum and avoid traveling through flooded roadways. Only inches of fast-moving water can carry away a person or vehicle. Remember to #TurnAroundDontDrown pic.twitter.com/HK5P46sRjY
— CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department (@CALFIRERRU) August 20, 2023
San Diego prepares swift water rescue teams as Hurricane Hilary approaches
Sunday 20 August 2023 18:54 , Josh Marcus
San Diego, with assistance from the California Office of Emergency Services, spent Saturday and Sunday preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Hilary in Southern California.
That included deploying teams of swift water rescue-trained firefighters around the region to prepare for residents being stranded in floods.
SDFD has you covered San Diego. A @Cal_OES team of swift water rescue trained firefighters are available Sat night as well as a @SDLifeguards swift water team. Sun morning several more lifeguard teams will mobilize for the worst part of the storm. #Hilary pic.twitter.com/0OVLxlij1S
— SDFD (@SDFD) August 20, 2023
Video shows heavy flooding in Santa Rosalía, Mexico
Sunday 20 August 2023 18:19 , Josh Marcus
Tropical Storm Hilary is already causing floods on the west coast of Mexico.
Journalist Gerardo Zúñiga shared a clip on X showing fast-moving, muddy waters racing through the Baja California Sur town of Santa Rosalía.
Santa Rosalía, Baja California Sur, México.#HuracánHilary #HurricaneHilary 🌪️
Ago 19, 2023 pic.twitter.com/HpsUstbeYW— Gerardo Zúñiga (@GEZUPA) August 20, 2023
Disneyland will close early as Tropical Storm Hilary approaches
Sunday 20 August 2023 17:57 , Josh Marcus
The massive Disneyland theme park and hotel complex in Anaheim, California, will close its gates early on Sunday, as Tropical Storm Hilary threatens to bring heavy rains and flooding to the Los Angeles area on Sunday.
“For the safety of guests and cast members, Disneyland Resort has made the decision to adjust closing times today,” the park said in a statement.
Mexican man dies as family swept out out into stream
Sunday 20 August 2023 17:35 , Josh Marcus
Tropical Storm Hilary has claimed what may be its first victim.
A man in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur was swept away in a stream as on Saturday he and a group of four attempted to cross in a car.
“Four people were rescued, but regretably the streams took the life of one of the members of this family from Vizcaíno,” Edith Aguilar, a local mayor, wrote in Spanish in a post on X.
The official added that rescuers “did everything possible, but weren’t able to cross the streams to support without risking their own lives.”
#HuracanHilary #Hilary #lluvia #BajaCaliforniaSur #santarosaliabcs pic.twitter.com/eYXnAXxMKi
— Edith Aguilar Villavicencio (@EdithAguilarVi1) August 19, 2023
Los Angeles mayor warns ‘lives could be lost’ as flooding hits homeless encampments
Sunday 20 August 2023 17:10 , Josh Marcus
Los Angeles County has more than 70,000 people who are unhoused at a given time, many of them living outside in tents.
Those people are now at great risk as Tropical Storm Hilary heads towards Los Angeles, expected to pass over Southern California later today.
Mayor Karen Bass told Face The Nation on Sunday the city has been doing outreach for days to get these people out of harm’s way.
“We have hundreds of people on our riverbeds,” she said. “Every time we have rain event, helicopters drive by as well as hundreds of outreach workers go by in advance to tell them to seek shelter.”
“We are working as fast as we possibly can, especially in a situation like this, where lives could be lost because of the weather event,” she added.
As Los Angeles prepares for extreme weather brought by Hurricane Hilary, @MayorOfLA says the city is “prepared” – but that concerns mount for the thousands of homeless people, many of whom live “in tents” pic.twitter.com/LYWjLVc6Gd
— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) August 20, 2023
Hurricane Hilary renews calls for Joe Biden to declare climate emergency
Sunday 20 August 2023 16:50 , Josh Marcus
With the US facing one climate-fueled disaster after another, from the fires in Maui to Hurricane Hilary, activists are renewing their calls for Joe Biden to declare a state of emergency around the climate.
”If this is not an emergency, what is?” climate activist Annie Leonard wrote on X on Saturday. “People are searching for loved ones in Maui, buying sandbags in Joshua Tree, bracing themselves in LA. The first steps of leadership in a crisis are: name it and stabilize. Not avoid it and add fuels to the flame.”
Here’s our reportubg on why activists want the White House to declare an emergency.
Biden claims he has declared a climate emergency ‘in practice’
‘Don’t Look Up’ director calls Biden’s failure to declare climate emergency ‘madness’
Hurricane Hilary downgraded to tropical storm
Sunday 20 August 2023 16:31 , Josh Marcus
Hurricane Hilary is no longer a hurricane, but it’s still plenty dangerous.
The hurricane was declared a tropical storm on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service, though it’s still sustaining powerful winds of 70 mph and expected to bring “catastrophic and life-threatening flooding” to Mexico’s Baja peninsula and parts of the US Southwest.
A whiplash few weeks for Death Valley
Sunday 20 August 2023 13:00 , Josh Marcus
Thanks to Hurricane Hilary, Death Valley, California, one of the hottest and driest places on Earth, will go from experiencing record temperatures to unprecedented rainfalls that could cause flash flooding.
Death Valley nears record high temperature as heatwaves sweep the world
More than 6,500 Mexican soldiers deployed to prepare for Hilary’s arrival
Sunday 20 August 2023 12:00 , Josh Marcus
Mexico has mobilised more than 6,500 soldiers to the coastal states of Baja California and Baja California Sur to build shelters and distribute supplies as Hurricane Hilary nears the country.
On the ground, some appeared unconcerned however.
“We are so used to being warned and nothing happens,” Andrés García, 35, a valet at a hotel in the port city of Ensenada, told The New York Times. “That is why people are calm. Hopefully it won’t be so destructive.”
As California prepares for one disaster, Hawaii rebuilds from another
Sunday 20 August 2023 11:00 , Josh Marcus
Extreme weather is happening across the Pacific, from the hurricane heading towards California, to the hurricane winds which helped fuel the devastating Maui wildfires.
Follow the latest from the Hawaiian islands with our Maui fires liveblog.
Hurricane Hilary is down(graded), but not out
Sunday 20 August 2023 10:00 , Josh Marcus
On Saturday, Hurricane Hilary was downgraded to a Category 2 storm, but forecasters still say this designation carries great risk.
“This does not lessen the threat, especially the flood threat,” Jamie Rhome, the US National Hurricane Center’s deputy director, said Saturday. “Don’t let the weakening trend and the intensity lower your guard.”
Hurricanes are getting stronger. Here’s why
Sunday 20 August 2023 09:00 , Josh Marcus
Sea-level rise is one way that the climate crisis is making these storms more dangerous. As the oceans rise, due to melting polar ice sheets and increased heat expanding the water, coastal cities like Tokyo and New Orleans will be more likely to be inundated during storms.
Since the late 19th century, global sea level has risen by eight inches – threatening coastal communities and increasing flooding risk when storms push water inland.
Rising sea levels can also wipe out natural coastal defences against hurricanes such as wetlands of marshes and swamps that buffer storm surges and winds.
One 2020 study found that in nearly 90 tropical storms from 1996 to 2016, US counties with more wetlands had less property damage. The study put an average value on those wetlands of $1.8m in protection per square kilometre per year.
Ethan Freedman and Louise Boyle have the details.
Hurricanes are getting stronger. Here’s why
Dramatic photos show flood damage in Baja
Sunday 20 August 2023 19:09 , Josh Marcus
Tropical Storm Hilary has already caused major damage in Mexico.
Photos from the Baja California Sur town of Santa Rosalía on Sunday show the community covered in large stones left behind by flood waters.
Amanecer de este día en el puerto de #SantaRosalía tras las fuertes corrientes provocadas por las lluvias torrenciales del #huracánHilary.
Imágenes: Laura González.#HurricaneHilary #HurricaneHillary pic.twitter.com/ikKdWFeW6t— Luis D. Bareño (@AStiller0) August 20, 2023
ICYMI: Hurricane Hilary could create new lake in world’s hottest place as it bears down on California
Sunday 20 August 2023 07:59 , Josh Marcus
Hurricane Hilary is expected to bring heavy rain to Southern California as it grows off Mexico’s Baja California.
Hilary will plow into the Mexican peninsula sometime on Sunday, amid concerns of “life-threatening and potentially catastrophic” floods. The US National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm watch from the Golden State’s Pacific coast to interior mountains and deserts — the first in Southern California in 84 years.
Andrea Blanco reports.
Hurricane Hilary could create new lake in Death Valley National Park
Hurricane Hilary could bring ‘100-year event’ flooding to Las Vegas
Sunday 20 August 2023 07:06 , Josh Marcus
Las Vegas is preparing for major flooding from Hurricane Hilary.
“We designed for what’s called ‘the 100-year event’ or ‘the 1 percent chance storm,’ so what that translates to in Las Vegas is about 2.77 inches of rain over a six-hour period,” Steven Parrish, general manager and chief engineer for the Clark County Regional Flood Control District, told 8 News. “We’re expecting rainfall at around that level.”
“Our recommendation to people would be — if you can — just shelter in place,” he added. “There’s going to be street flooding, […] it’s going to be difficult to drive.”
The official said Clark County’s 684 miles of channels and storm drains, as well as a network of detention basins, would be enough to protect Las Vegas.
ICYMI: Hurricane Hilary bearing down on US as officials warn of ‘very dangerous’ Category 2 storm
Sunday 20 August 2023 06:00 , Josh Marcus
Hurricane Hilary continued its journey towards the Baja peninsula and Southern California on Saturday, as officials warned that the storm could bring unprecedented rain and flooding to the normally arid Southwest.
“Make no mistake,” Nancy Ward, director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, said on Saturday in a news conference. “This is a very, very dangerous and significant storm.”
More details in our full story.
Hurricane Hilary bears down on US as officials warn of ‘dangerous’ Category 2 storm
PHOTO: Long Beach prepares for Hurricane Hilary by setting up emergency shelter in gym
Sunday 20 August 2023 05:00 , Josh Marcus
Long Beach, California, is one of the many Southern California municipalities preparing for the potentially disasterous arrival of Hurricane Hilary.
The city has erected a temporary cot shelter in a basketball gymnasium in preparation.
Shelter set up at Silverado Park in Long Beach for residents of Catalina Island if needed. @knxnews pic.twitter.com/qWwKZjbjxE
— Nataly Tavidian (@NatalyTavidian) August 19, 2023
California governor in San Diego as Hurricane Hilary approaches
Sunday 20 August 2023 04:00 , Josh Marcus
California governor Gavin Newsom was in San Diego on Saturday, a day before the worst impacts of Hurricane Hilary are expected to impact the state.
Just left the San Diego Emergency Operations Center -- meeting with @MayorToddGloria as California prepares for #HurricaneHilary.
Southern California: Make sure to stay safe and listen to local official warnings. pic.twitter.com/gOdDqvTZG4— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) August 19, 2023
How Hurricane Hilary could reshape the Southern California desert
Sunday 20 August 2023 03:00 , Josh Marcus
Heavy rains from Hurricane Hilary will concentrate on Sunday in Palm Springs, Yucca Valley, and Mojave National Preserve in Southern California, some of the driest areas of the country.
“The drainage there is so poor,” Mark Moede, a forecaster with the National Weather Service’s San Diego office, told SFGATE. “It doesn’t take much to create flooding on the desert floor.”
“Flood risk from #Hilary in SE California deserts is genuinely alarming,” Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA, wrote earlier this week on X, describing the potential impacts of the rains. “Widespread & possibly destructive flash flooding is possible. This has high potential to be a historic flood event in this region.”
The desert areas could receive multiple years worth of normal rain levels this weekend alone.
Southwest cancels flights into Palm Springs ahead of Hurricane Hilary
Sunday 20 August 2023 02:00 , Josh Marcus
Southwest Airlines has canceled flights into Palm Springs through Monday morning, the airport announced on Saturday, ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Hilary.
The Southern California desert is expected to be inundated with rain when the tropical storm hits the state on Sunday.
We’ve just received notice that Southwest Airlines is canceling all flights into and out of PSP through Monday morning. Please contact Southwest for options to rebook.
— Palm Springs International Airport (@flyPSP) August 19, 2023
Nevada activates National Guard ahead of Hurricane Hilary
Sunday 20 August 2023 01:30 , Josh Marcus
Nevada has activated its National Guard ahead of Hurricane Hilary, which is expected to shower the Southwest in unprecedented amounts of rain.
“These Guardsmen will be put in place to provide support to southern counties, which may be significantly impacted by flooding,” Governor Joe Lombardo said in a news release. “As the state takes the necessary steps to prepare for flooding and severe weather, I strongly urge all Nevadans to do the same. By making a plan ahead of time, Nevadans can ensure that their families and loved ones remain safe amidst Hurricane Hilary.”
Hurricane Hilary causing strange wave patterns off West Coast
Sunday 20 August 2023 01:00 , Josh Marcus
Hurricane Hilary is causing abnormal wave patterns across the West Coast.
Kevin Wallis, director of forecasting at the wave prediction firm Surfline, told NBC News notable swells were observed in the usually tranquil Sea of Cortez, and groups of waves were spotted moving parallel to Southern California, moving past San Diego County.
The US Coast Guard has said waves as high as 8 feet could hit California throughout the storm.
Southern California residents prepare for arrival of Hilary with sand bags
Sunday 20 August 2023 00:30 , Josh Marcus
Residents across Southern California prepared on Saturday for the arrival of Hurricane Hilary, which is expected to bring heavy rains and flooding to even arid regions of the state.
Many cities, like Huntington Beach, offered sand bags to help protect structures.
We will be extending our sandbag fill station hours today (Saturday, Aug. 19) until 7:00pm to allow our Huntington Beach residents & businesses with more time to get sandbags. The fill station will also be open tomorrow (Sunday, Aug. 20), 8am-5pm.
Our sandbag fill station is… pic.twitter.com/Gu6C33NST1— City of Huntington Beach (@CityofHBPIO) August 19, 2023
Preparations for flooding should be ‘completed as soon as possible'
Sunday 20 August 2023 00:02 , Josh Marcus
Federal forecasters are warning people in the path of Hurricane Hilary to finish their flooding preparations “as soon as possible.”
“In the Southwestern US, the potentially historic amount of rainfall is expecteed to cause flash, urban, and arroyo flooding including landslides, mudslides, and debris flows,” the National Weather Service said in a briefing on Saturday.
Hurricane Hilary bearing down on US as officials warn of ‘very dangerous’ Category 2 storm
Saturday 19 August 2023 23:26 , Josh Marcus
Hurricane Hilary continued its journey towards the Baja peninsula and Southern California on Saturday, as officials warned that the storm could bring unprecedented rain and flooding to the normally arid Southwest.
“Make no mistake,” Nancy Ward, director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, said on Saturday in a news conference. “This is a very, very dangerous and significant storm.”
“There will be power outages across Southern California,” she added.
The heart of the storm, which began Wednesday in the waters off Manzanillo, Mexico, was 285 miles frmo Punta Eugenia, Mexico, and about 640 miles south-southeast of San Diego, California, as of Saturday afternoon.
Follow the latest.
Hurricane Hilary bears down on US as officials warn of ‘dangerous’ Category 2 storm
Hurricane Hilary could create new lake in world’s hottest place as it bears down on California
Saturday 19 August 2023 23:07 , Josh Marcus
Hurricane Hilary is expected to bring heavy rain to Southern California as it continues its path towards Mexico’s Baja California.
Hilary will plow into the Mexican peninsula sometime on Sunday, amid concerns of “life-threatening and potentially catastrophic” floods. The US National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm watch from the Golden State’s Pacific coast to interior mountains and deserts — the first in Southern California in 84 years.
Meteorologists have warned that heavy rainfall could potentially turn Death Valley National Park into a massive lake, AccuWeather reports. Death Valley, the hottest place on earth, is expected to receive more than its annual two-inch rainfall, prompting major flooding and flash floods, the park said in a statement on Friday.
Andrea Blanco has the full story.
Evacuations begin as Hilary approaches Southern
Saturday 19 August 2023 22:24 , Josh Marcus
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation notices for residents of Oak Glen, Forest Falls, Mountain Home Village, Angelus Oaks, and NE Yucaipa, as Southern California braces for the arrival of Hurricane Hilary, which is expected to bring rare rain and flash floods to the usually dry region.
