Tropical Storm Hilary’s core is located approximately 15 kilometers southeast of Los Angeles, reads the CNN website. The storm crossed the U.S.-Mexico border into California several hours ago, becoming the first tropical storm in the state since 1997. Hilary is moving North-Northwest at 45 kilometers per hour and her winds extend for 350 kilometers. Most of Southern California, including Los Angeles and San Diego, remain under tropical storm warning.
First responders, in the Los Angeles area, due to flooding. According to the CNN website, in Palm Springs there were at least three water rescues, as witnessed by Police Department Lieutenant Gustavo Araiza. The city earlier declared a local emergency due to “unprecedented rain and flooding,” with residents urged to stay at home and avoid driving.
Heavy rains are hitting California. But Hilary hasn’t turned out to be the only problem for the citizens of the Golden State, because meanwhile an earthquake of magnitude 5.1 it was recorded near the city of Ojai in Southern California, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
“Stay safe and stay home”. It is the message of the mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, according to which the worst in terms of rains caused by Hilary is yet to come. “I spoke with California Governor Gavin Newsom about the emergency measures in place” for Hilary – says Joe Biden – and “the administration stands ready to offer further assistance if requested».
As of Sunday afternoon, Hilary’s core is in California with peak winds of 60 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center warned of “probable catastrophic and life-threatening flooding over Baja California and parts of the southwestern United States through Monday.” “This is a unprecedented weather eventLos Angeles Mayor Karen Bass warned. Beaches have been closed and people have rushed to shops to stock up on water and other basic necessities. Flash flood warnings and tornado warnings have been issued for some areas.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for much of the southern area of the state. Authorities opened five storm shelters and deployed more than 7,500 people, including several hundred National Guard soldiers and rapid rescue teams, Newsom’s office said. In San Diego, people filled sandbags to prepare for possible flooding, while lifeguards warned people to stay out of the sea.
One person died in Mexico after a vehicle was swept away by a swollen river, Mexico’s civil protection agency said. The Mexican military has opened 35 shelters for 1,725 people affected by the storm. Nancy Ward, director of the California governor’s Office of Emergency Services, said Hilary could be one of the worst storms to hit the state in more than a decade.