Tropical Storm Hilary wreaked havoc across Kern County on Sunday, dumping as much as 4 inches of rain in some parts, leading to flash floods and prompting an evacuation order for Sand Canyon near Tehachapi. The storm closed a stretch of Highway 58 and caused significant disruption in the region.
The Storm’s Impact
Flash floods struck across Kern, with warnings issued throughout the day, urging people to seek higher ground and avoid driving or walking through floodwaters. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries.
Key Details:
- Rainfall: Between 2.5 and 4 inches in Tehachapi and Walker Pass areas, 1.5 to 2.5 inches in desert areas, and no more than an inch in the southern Central Valley.
- Evacuation: Sand Canyon evacuated due to concerns about the area’s only access road becoming impassable.
- Road Closures: Multiple road closures, including Oak Creek Road, Sand Canyon Road, and Copus Road.
- Shelter: Evacuees referred to the Tehachapi Education Center.
Evacuation and Response
Just after 2 p.m., the Kern County Fire Department issued an order to evacuate Sand Canyon. The evacuation was prompted by worries that the area’s only access road would become impassable due to the storm. Evacuees were referred to the Tehachapi Education Center.
At 3:21 p.m., a notice reported that Cache Creek had overflowed, and people north of Highway 58 and east of Sand Canyon Road were advised to shelter in place.
Table of Road Closures:
| Road Name | Closure Details |
|---|---|
| Cameron Road | Closed due to flooding and debris |
| Redrock Randsburg Road | Closed between Highways 395 and 14 |
| Oak Creek Road | Closed between Tehachapi Willow Springs Road and Koch Street |
| Sand Canyon Road | Closed between Highway 58 and Willow Springs |
| Copus Road | Closed between Old River and Basic School roads |
Weather Forecast
Thunderstorms that hit Kern late Saturday had mostly passed by Sunday, but strong winds were expected to continue, along with substantial rain, through early Monday. Forecasters predicted the storm would clear out starting Tuesday, allowing the county to begin drying out.
National Weather Service meteorologist David Spector said, “We still have some more coming in, and it’s going to be moderate to heavy precipitation, it looks like, until a little after midnight, tapering off overnight.”
Community Alertness
The flash flood warnings covered a swath extending from the desert to the Tehachapi areas. Not until relatively late in the day did NWS add the Arvin, Bakersfield, Lamont, and Lebec areas to the list of places experiencing or facing threats from flash flooding.
Reflection and Preparedness
The flash flood warnings and the evacuation order for Sand Canyon underscore the importance of community preparedness and alertness in the face of natural disasters. The coordinated efforts of the Kern County Fire Department, National Weather Service, and local government ensured that residents were informed and safe.
The situation also highlights the unpredictability of weather patterns and the need for continuous monitoring and readiness to respond to emergencies. The impact of Tropical Storm Hilary serves as a reminder to communities everywhere to stay vigilant and heed warnings from weather authorities.
The resilience and prompt action of Kern County’s emergency responders have helped manage a potentially dangerous situation, preserving both lives and property. The community’s support and adherence to safety guidelines have played a crucial role in minimizing the impact of the storm.
As the county begins to recover from the effects of the storm, the focus shifts to rebuilding and ensuring that infrastructure is resilient enough to withstand future weather events. The lessons learned from this incident will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing disaster preparedness and response strategies in the region.