Hurricane Hilary Moves Toward Baja California Peninsula and Southwest US

Hurricane Hilary Approaches Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Hurricane Hilary is rapidly advancing towards the Baja California peninsula, bringing heavy rainfall and prompting warnings about serious flooding risks for both the peninsula and parts of the United States Southwest.

Tragically, a man lost his life in Baja California Sur when he and his family were swept into the sea while attempting to cross a stream. Authorities have released images showing extensive flooding and roads that have been washed away in the region.

In the United States, the hurricane has already caused significant disruptions, affecting flights and sports events ahead of its landfall.

As of early Sunday, Hurricane Hilary was reported to have maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm’s center is expected to make landfall near the west-central coast of Baja California in the coming hours before moving into southern California later in the afternoon.

The hurricane is anticipated to weaken but will likely still be classified as a hurricane as it nears Baja California, transitioning into a tropical storm before it arrives in southern California, the NHC indicated.

Storm surges, which occur when ocean water is pushed onto land, are expected to lead to coastal flooding in certain areas of Baja California. The hurricane is also bringing heavy rainfall, which could result in severe flooding. Forecasters predict rainfall amounts between 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15 cm), with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 10 inches.

At 0900 GMT, Hurricane Hilary was located about 385 miles (625 km) south-southeast of San Diego. The storm was moving north-northwest at a pace of 21 mph (33 kph).

U.S. President Joe Biden was briefed on preparations for the hurricane by senior staff on Saturday.

In Baja California, officials have canceled classes and other non-essential activities through Monday. Authorities in Tijuana, Mexico’s second-largest city, are advising residents in high-risk areas to seek temporary shelter.

Social media posts depict flash floods in the coastal town of Santa Rosalia, where water cascaded down previously usable roads. In Mulege, where the fatal incident occurred, local officials reported ongoing rescues being conducted by the navy and local firefighters.

U.S. authorities are warning residents and businesses in the affected regions to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

Nearly 200 flights set to depart from San Diego International Airport on Sunday have been canceled, with an additional 184 cancellations expected on Monday.

In California, the Major League Baseball teams, the Dodgers and the Angels, advanced their Sunday games to Saturday, resulting in split doubleheaders. Additionally, the Los Angeles FC and LA Galaxy postponed their matches due to the anticipation of heavy rains and flooding.