LOS ANGELES — Tropical Storm Hilary, which drenched Southern California from the coast to Palm Springs, has been downgraded to a post-tropical storm but continues to cause havoc across the southwestern U.S. The storm forced rescuers to pull several people from swollen rivers before heading east and flooding a county about 40 miles outside of Las Vegas.
A Historic Deluge
Hilary, the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years, first made landfall in Baja California on Sunday. It then moved through Tijuana, dropping more than half an average year’s worth of rain on areas like Palm Springs. The storm shattered previous rainfall records, with Palm Springs receiving 3.18 inches of rain on Sunday, breaking the daily record of 0.21 inches set in 2003.
Table: Impact of Tropical Storm Hilary
| Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Center of Hilary passed over downtown |
| San Diego | Wettest day on record with 1.82 inches of rain |
| Palm Springs | 3.18 inches of rain, breaking previous record |
| San Bernardino Mountains | Roads blocked by mud and debris |
| Huntington Beach | Pacific Coast Highway flooded |
Challenges and Responses
Southern Californians battled flooded roads, mudslides, and downed trees. A stretch of the I-10 freeway near Palm Springs was shut due to pooling water, and a three-story-tall tree crashed down in the Sun Valley area of Los Angeles. Despite the deluge, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley reported no significant injuries or damages.
The Los Angeles Unified School District closed all campuses on Monday, along with other districts across the region. San Diego schools postponed the first day of classes, and emergency services were stretched, with 911 lines down in Palm Springs.
A Wider Impact
Hilary is just the latest major weather or climate disaster to wreak havoc across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The storm’s remnants were expected to linger at least through Tuesday morning, with forecasters warning of continued life-threatening flooding over portions of the southwestern U.S. and potential flooding in states as far north as Oregon and Idaho.
Conclusion
Tropical Storm Hilary’s impact on Southern California has been significant, with record-breaking rainfall, flooding, and widespread disruption. As the storm moves east, the threat of flooding continues, highlighting the unpredictable and often devastating nature of weather events. The response of emergency services and the community’s resilience have been tested, but the region has largely come through the storm with minimal impacts.