Tropical Storm Hilary Causes Flash Flooding in California, Reports Reuters

By Rollo Ross and Alan Devall

RANCHO MIRAGE, California – Tropical Storm Hilary caused significant flash flooding in areas east and west of Los Angeles on Sunday, marking the storm’s historic entry into California after crossing through Mexico’s Baja California peninsula with devastating effects.

Reports from Mexico indicated one fatality due to flash flooding on the peninsula, where several roads were washed away. Social media depicted dramatic footage of torrents sweeping through city streets.

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for much of Southern California, as flash flood warnings remained in effect until at least early Monday morning in a region more commonly associated with drought conditions. Forecasters estimated that mountain and desert areas could receive between 5 to 10 inches of rain, equating to the typical annual rainfall for the deserts.

This was the first tropical storm to hit Los Angeles County since 1939 and it resulted in severe flooding in the San Gabriel Mountains to the east and in coastal areas of Ventura County to the northwest. In San Bernardino County, evacuations were ordered for several towns in mountains and valleys, as social media documented the dramatic torrents of water, mud, and debris.

In Wrightwood, roughly 70 miles northeast of Los Angeles, rainfall caused trees and mudslides down hills. Further east in Oak Glen, which is one of the San Bernardino towns under evacuation orders, flash flooding propelled trees and rocks into the air. In more populated Ventura County, the National Weather Service issued alerts for life-threatening flooding after up to 2 inches of rain fell in just two hours. Responding to the emergency, firefighters conducted swift water rescues in affected areas.

During a tour of Southern California, Governor Newsom noted that Palm Springs, a desert resort 100 miles east of Los Angeles, experienced remarkable rainfall, leading to significant flooding almost immediately after he had left the area. He urged residents to remain vigilant, informing that he had briefed President Biden, who ordered federal resources to assist in the region.

The storm caught many off guard in Rancho Mirage, where roads were submerged under rushing water and debris, stranding vehicles. Residents expressed their astonishment at the unprecedented weather conditions. One local remarked on the extensive damage caused by the storm, while another noted the combination of violent winds and heavy rainfall was unlike anything they had experienced before.

As of the evening, Hilary was located about 105 miles northwest of San Diego, with sustained winds of 45 mph, continuing to move north-northwest. The storm led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights in major cities, and both the Los Angeles and San Diego school districts called off classes for Monday. The storm also generated dangerous surf along Southern California’s beaches.

Floodwaters surged through the normally minimal flows of the Los Angeles River, and rockslides occurred on Interstate 8 in the desert town of Ocotillo, further complicating travel in the area.

Earlier in the day, Hilary made landfall in the northern part of the Baja California peninsula, prompting the evacuation of nearly 1,900 residents to shelters.

The storm particularly endangered low-income communities where homes often do not meet building safety standards. One resident expressed their awareness of the risks posed by living in a flood-prone area, emphasizing the limited options available for housing.