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- Tropical Storm Hilary triggers catastrophic flooding in Mexico's Baja California Peninsula.
- Unprecedented heavy rainfall hits Southern California, raising flash flood concerns.
- Over nine million people face flash flood warnings in Southern California.
- Intense storm could break records for rainfall in states like Nevada, Oregon, and Idaho.
- Mexico also impacted by flooding and landslides; relief efforts underway.
Mexico's arid Baja California Peninsula experienced perilous flooding on Sunday due to the landfall of Tropical Storm Hilary. Furthermore, unexpectedly intense rainfall battered southern California, sparking concerns over flash flooding, extending to regions like Idaho which are unaccustomed to such torrential downpours.
Hilary storm refers to a tropical storm named "Hilary" that impacted the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico and Southern California. The storm brought heavy rainfall, flash flood concerns, mudslides, and other related hazards to the affected regions.
Hilary's rare SoCal landfall in 84 years
Forecasters noted that Hilary is the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years. It brings the risk of flash floods, mudslides, tornadoes, high winds, and power outages.
Beaches were ordered closed, and people rushed to stores to stock up on water and other necessities. Flash flood warnings and even tornado warnings were issued in some areas.
Arizona authorities issued evacuation orders in Lake Mead National Park, prompting residents to seek higher ground due to potential floods. The storm drew closer, leading Nevada's governor to declare a state of emergency on Sunday.
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Over 1,000 US flights have been cancelled on Sunday, and 4,900 have been delayed. The most impacted airports are Harry Reid International Airport, San Diego International Airport, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, as reported by flightaware.com.
As Hilary triggered flood warnings across Los Angeles, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake shook Southern California Sunday afternoon, per the United States Geological Survey.
Millions face flash floods, SoCal
At least nine million people were under a flash flood warning as heavy rains fell on normally sunny Southern California before the worst of the storm passed. Desert areas are especially susceptible to flooding, as are hills hit by wildfires, forecasters have warned.
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Mud-covered roads, water-overwhelmed drainage systems, and toppled tree limbs from San Diego to Los Angeles. The weather service said tornadoes were possible Sunday afternoon in eastern San Diego County.
Other western US states could see once-in-a-century rainfall, possibly breaking records as Hilary becomes the wettest tropical cyclone on record for Nevada, Oregon, and Idaho.
On Sunday afternoon, Hilary was south-southeast of San Diego. According to the US National Hurricane Center, it had sustained winds of 65 mph (100 km/h) and was moving northwest at 25 mph (41 km/h).
Damages in Mexico
A river's current swept away a vehicle in Mulegé, Baja California Sur, causing a death on Saturday. Landslides and road cuts occurred in Loreto and Mulegé. The government plans to restore circulation once river currents subside.
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