WEATHER

Hurricane Hilary grows off Mexico and could reach California as a very rare tropical storm

Aug 18, 2023, 8:30 AM | Updated: 9:59 am

CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico (AP) — Hurricane Hilary moved closer to the coast of Mexico early Sunday o...

This satellite image taken at 10:50am EDT on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, and provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows Hurricane Hilary off the Pacific coast of Mexico. (NOAA via AP)
Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS

(NOAA via AP)

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Hurricane Hilary grew rapidly to Category 4 strength off Mexico’s Pacific coast on Friday and could reach Southern California as the first tropical storm there in 84 years, causing “significant and rare impacts” including extensive flooding.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said a tropical storm watch has been issued for Southern California, the first time it has ever done that.

Hilary had sustained winds near 145 mph (230 kph) early Friday, and was expected to strengthen a bit more before starting to weaken. It nevertheless was expected to still be a hurricane when approaching Mexico’s Baja California peninsula on Saturday night, and a tropical storm when approaching Southern California on Sunday.

No tropical storm has made landfall in Southern California since Sept. 25, 1939, according to the National Weather Service.

Early Friday, Hilary was centered about 360 miles (575 kilometers) south-southwest of Los Cabos on the southern tip of the Baja peninsula. It was moving northwest at 10 mph (17 kph), and was expected to turn further toward the north.

The Mexican government extended its hurricane watches and warnings northward for parts of Baja California peninsula, and also issued a tropical storm watch for parts of mainland Mexico.

“Heavy rainfall in association with Hilary is expected to impact the Southwestern United States through next Wednesday, peaking on Sunday and Monday,” the hurricane center said. It said there was a substantial danger of flash flooding in an area stretching from San Diego to Las Vegas.

“Rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches, with isolated amounts of 10 inches, are expected across portions of southern California and southern Nevada, which would lead to significant and rare impacts. Elsewhere across portions of the Western United States, rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected.”

SpaceX delayed the launch of a satellite-carrying rocket from a base on California’s central coast until at least Monday. The company said conditions in the Pacific could make it difficult for a ship to recover the rocket booster.

The Mexican government said a weakened Hilary might skim a sparsely populated area on the western edge of the Baja peninsula early Sunday, and then perhaps hit a more heavily populated area of the coast Sunday night between the cities of Playas de Rosarito and Ensenada, in Baja California state.

Meanwhile, the city of Yuma was preparing Thursday by providing residents with a self-serve sandbag filling station.

The sandbag station will be stocked with sand and empty bags for self-filling while supplies last. Residents were allowed five sandbags per vehicle.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Weather

The formations are called ice shoves because, well, they look like stacks of ice. Just piles of wha...

Diana Jones

Ice shoves: What are they and where to find them

The formations are called ice shoves due to them looking like stacks of ice. It happens when the surface of a lake turns to ice but breaks apart.

21 hours ago

Davis County learned over the weekend that the temporary Davis County warming center it was using i...

Bryanna Willis

Davis County warming center changes location due to early building demolition

A Davis County warming center has changed its location after the city got word that the building it was originally using is set for an early demolition.

2 days ago

Utah's ski resorts...

Eric Cabrera

What does the warm weather mean for Utah’s ski resorts?

Utah's ski resorts are staying busy through the unseasonably warm weather.

3 days ago

People walk at Sugar House Park in Salt Lake City on Jan. 3....

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Record-breaking warmth, windy conditions forecast this week

Salt Lake City is one of a few cities that broke a high-temperature record on Sunday, but more record-warm temperatures are forecast across Utah.

4 days ago

Two avalanches slide side by side in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Utah avalanche danger...

Mariah Maynes

Utah avalanche danger: Considerable in Salt Lake region, avalanche warning issued for Logan

Utah avalanche danger varied across the state on Feb. 2. Utah Avalanche Center rated the Salt Lake region as 'considerable,' issued warning for Logan area.

4 days ago

Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog,...

TASSANEE VEJPONGSA and MARK SCOLFORO

Punxsutawney Phil sees shadow, predicting 6 more weeks of wintry weather

The well known groundhog known as Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Sunday, predicting six more weeks of winter.

5 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Hurricane Hilary grows off Mexico and could reach California as a very rare tropical storm