Hilary is approaching the coasts of Mexico and the United States. On Friday, the phenomenon became a Category 4 hurricane on the five-point ascending Saffir-Simpson scale. Meteorologists have warned that parts of California could bring as much rain as they normally receive in a year.
As reported by the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), Hurricane Hilary is approaching the coast of Mexico and the United States. On Thursday and Friday, the phenomenon began to gain strength rapidly and is now accompanied by gusts of wind reaching a maximum of 215 kilometers per hour. The center of the hurricane is moving northwest, towards land.
First ever alert
The hurricane is expected to hit the coast of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico on Saturday or Sunday before moving through the south of the U.S. state of California. Though just before reaching land, Hilary will probably weaken and become storm still has the potential to cause widespread flooding. According to forecasts, the region could receive as much rain in one day as it falls on average in a year – heavy rainfall is expected in San Diego and Los Angeles.
Due to the unprecedented weather situation in this region, California authorities announced for the first time in history the highest flood risk level 4 for the southern part of the state. Hilary will be the first tropical storm to hit the U.S. state since 1939. Arizona and Nevada are also likely to experience unusually high rainfall.
“I urge all people in the affected areas to take precautions and follow the advice of the authorities,” US President Joe Biden told a news conference at Camp David.
Hurricane Hilary in a satellite image, August 19, 23NHC/NOAA/NESDIS
Hope for better prognosis
Pre-hurricane preparations are also underway in Mexico. In the states of Baja California and Baja California South, located on the Baja California Peninsula, it was decided to cancel school classes and some public tasks. In Mexico’s second largest city, Tijuana, local authorities have urged people living in high-risk areas to move to shelters. All ports on the southern tip of the peninsula were also temporarily closed.
– Large amounts of rain are guaranteed. “We are hoping that the intensity of the storm will decrease and we will get a more lenient forecast as we face the destructive force of a Category 4 hurricane,” said Baja California Southern Governor Victor Manuel Castro.
Mexico prepares for Hurricane HilaryReuters
Mexico prepares for Hurricane HilaryReuters
Hurricane Hilary’s projected trajectoryNHC, NOAA
Main photo source: Reuters