Tropical cyclone: Hurricane Hilary churns toward California

Hurricane Hilary has grown rapidly to Category 4 strength off Mexico’s Pacific coast and could reach Southern California as the first tropical storm there in 84 years.

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, threatening to unleash torrential rains and causing “significant and rare impacts” including extensive flooding and high winds.

A man rows his boat in Acapulco in the Mexican state of Guerrero on Wednesday. Heavy rainfall in association with Hurricane Hilary is expected to impact the Southwestern United States through next Wednesday.

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.

Forecasters warned the storm could cause extreme flooding, mudslides and even tornadoes across the region.

Hilary had sustained winds near 145 mph early Friday, and was expected to strengthen a bit more before starting to weaken.

Here are 6 things you need to know about Hilary:

This is the first time the National Hurricane Center has ever issued a tropical storm watch for Southern California.

Tropical storm conditions are possible in Southern California by Sunday. Hurricane conditions are expected in Baja California beginning Saturday night. Heavy rainfall that could result in flash flooding and landslides in Baja California could occur from late Friday through late Sunday.

Southern California could see flash flooding, urban flooding and arroyo flooding, "with the potential for rare and dangerous impacts."

While high winds are creating the unusual tropical storm conditions, officials continue to emphasize that rain remains the greatest concern.

"This could (bring) rare and life-threatening flash flooding in the heaviest areas of rainfall. That is especially going to be prevalent Sunday evening through Monday morning," said Elizabeth Adams, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego.

Rainfall of 3 to 6 inches, with as much as 10 inches, could occur across portions of Southern California and southern Nevada. "Rare and dangerous flooding will be possible," forecasters said.

“Two to three inches of rainfall in Southern California is unheard of” for this time of year, said Kristen Corbosiero, a University of Albany atmospheric scientist who specializes in Pacific hurricanes. “That’s a that’s a whole summer and fall amount of rain coming in probably 6 to 12 hours.”

The region could face once-in-a-century rains and there is a good chance Nevada will break its all-time rainfall record, said meteorologist Jeff Masters of Yale Climate Connections and a former government in-flight hurricane meteorologist.

President Joe Biden said the Federal Emergency Management Agency had pre-positioned staff and supplies in the region.

“I urge everyone, everyone in the path of this storm, to take precautions and listen to the guidance of state and local officials,” Biden told reporters Friday at Camp David, where he is meeting with the leaders of Japan and South Korea.

Tropical storm conditions could begin in Baja California by Friday night and in Southern California starting Sunday. Hurricane conditions are expected along large stretches of Baja California's western coast starting Saturday night.

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.

Hurricane watches or warnings are in effect for a large stretch of the western coast of Baja California, from Punta Abreojos north to Ensenada.

A man moors his boat in Acapulco, Guerrero State, Mexico, as then-tropical storm Hilary churns in the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday. Hurricane Hilary has grown rapidly to Category 4 strength and could reach Southern California as the first tropical storm there in 84 years.

Forecasters warn of "dangerous storm surge" that is "likely to produce coastal flooding."

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.

Some parts of Southern California could see astonishing levels of rain in the coming days as Hurricane Hilary moves north.

Coastal areas

Deserts and mountains

The hurricane center said there is a substantial danger of flash flooding in an area stretching from San Diego to Las Vegas. Elsewhere across portions of the Western United States, rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected.

Cities across the region, including in Arizona, were offering sandbags to safeguard properties against floodwaters, while the National Park Service planned to close vulnerable areas of Joshua Tree National Park, east of Los Angeles, on Friday evening, and suspend all back country camping.

Deputies with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department were driving on service roads to announce warnings over public address systems and urge homeless people living in riverbeds to move into shelters before the storm hits.

Officials in Southern California were also re-enforcing sand berms, built to protect low-lying coastal communities against winter surf, like in Huntington Beach, which dubs itself as “Surf City USA."

In Oregon, the National Weather Service in Portland said Friday that by the time Hilary gets as far north as Oregon, it should be a largely disorganized mass of moisture-rich air.

This could spell impressive rainfall for southern and eastern parts of Oregon, but the Portland metro area is unlikely to see much rain, if any. The storm may help the region to stay moderately cool or at least close to average in terms of temperatures through the middle of next week.

Current projections from the National Weather Service’s forecast models show chances of rain in the Medford area and other southern Oregon locations with some very slight risk of flash flooding.

On the East Coast, the Atlantic hurricane season’s next named storm could come from one of four systems with chances to develop, according to the National Hurricane Center.

In its 8 a.m. tropical outlook Friday, chances have increased for two existing systems in the Atlantic to spin up into the season’s next tropical depression or storm while the NHC projects two more systems could form near the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico forming a sort of parade of colorful jelly bean shapes of concern in the Atlantic.

If any of the systems grow to named strength status, they could become Tropical Storm Emily with Tropical Storm Franklin, Tropical Storm Gert and Tropical Storm Harold next in line.

The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which has so far seen four named storms including a lone Category 1 hurricane, is predicted to be an above-normal season, according to updated forecasts last week from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The hurricane season runs from June 1-Nov. 30, but the height of the season runs from mid-August to mid-October when waters are the warmest providing fuel for tropical formation.

The NHC’s latest forecast for the year shifted upward so it now predicts 14-21 named storms, of which 6-11 would grow to hurricane strength, and two to five of those becoming major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher.

The Associated Press and Tribune News Service contributed to this report.

When you’re facing a natural disaster of such epic proportions, it’s easy to feel powerless. Although there’s no way to completely avoid these dangerous storms, you can take measures to protect your home and family. Stacker consulted official recommendations from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, Red Cross, and other experts to compile this comprehensive list of steps you should take to prepare for and recover from a hurricane.

Take the following steps to ensure you have everything you need the next time disaster strikes—and to ensure you’re able to return home, assess the damage, and begin to rebuild while staying safe. Remember: Even after the weather report clears, the negative effects of a hurricane can still linger.

From emergency supply kits to reporting losses, here are 30 ways to prepare for and recover from hurricanes.

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No matter where you live, everyone should have an emergency plan. Sit down with your family and friends to discuss how you will find shelter, where you will evacuate and how you will communicate in case of an emergency.

Every household should also have an emergency supply kit ready, including a “go bag” for each person. That way, if you need to shelter in place or leave home in a hurry, you’ll have everything you need to stay safe and healthy.

Some states like Florida get hit by hurricanes every year, while others very rarely experience this type of storm. Do some research on your county to find out how often your area experiences tropical storms, then check FEMA’s flood map to determine your risk of flooding.

Right before a hurricane makes landfall, home-improvement stores will be swamped by homeowners trying to purchase sandbags, plastic sheeting, and other supplies to keep floodwater out of the house. Store these supplies in a safe place ahead of time so you don’t have to join the mad dash.

Don’t overlook the nonhuman members of your family! If you have to evacuate, your pets will need to evacuate, too. Make sure they’re all microchipped and have identification tags—and make sure you have a plan for how to evacuate them.

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As soon as you hear that severe weather might be possible, start thinking about where you will go. Can you stay with friends or family? Do you need to make reservations at a hotel? Consider your route out of town, as well.

Hurricanes can fill your home with floodwater, causing damage to computers, phones, and other electronic devices. Save important documents by uploading them to an online backup service or external hard drive that you take with you.

Extreme weather can knock out utility service, so it’s best to prepare enough drinkable water to survive for several days without running water. You’ll need at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days.

If officials call for an evacuation, you’re going to want to leave immediately—not have to stop for gas along with everyone else. Don’t let your gas gauge dip below the halfway mark just to be safe.

Check your home insurance policy to make sure it’s still valid and that you understand what is covered. Most standard policies cover damage caused by flying debris, falling trees, and high winds, but many don’t cover flooding—a major problem during hurricanes. Consider purchasing flood insurance if you live in a hurricane-prone region.

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Local officials might warn residents to turn off their utilities ahead of a hurricane to prevent gas leaks and dangerous explosions. Make sure you know how to turn off your gas, water, and electric lines.

If stormwater has nowhere to go, it will back up into your home. Remove debris and clogs from rain gutters and other drains to keep water moving and limit the potential for flooding.

To be considered a hurricane, a storm must have sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour. Winds that high can easily topple trees, creating the potential for extensive damage to your home. Keep tree branches trimmed and consider removing any trees within 20 feet of your home.

Once hurricane winds enter a property, the likelihood of severe structural damage rises dramatically. Residents of hurricane-prone regions might consider installing permanent aluminum or steel storm shutters. If such a project isn’t in the budget, make temporary covers for your doors and windows out of five-eighths-of-an-inch exterior grade or marine plywood. That way you can install your temporary shutters quickly and easily when meteorologists predict a hurricane.

When was the last time you had your roof inspected? If you’re not sure, it might be time to call a contractor to ensure that your roof is sturdy enough to withstand hurricane winds.

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If you eventually have to file an insurance claim for hurricane damage, you’ll need a detailed inventory of everything you own. The easiest way to prepare this quickly is through photos. Walk through your house and snap a photo of everything you can think of—that way, you won’t have to rack your brains trying to remember how many books you had in the bookshelf later on.

Those 74- to 157-mph winds can lift up patio furniture, garbage cans, and bicycles like they weigh nothing. Bring anything you can indoors so that it doesn’t become a flying projectile during a hurricane.

What about other objects that are too heavy to lift? Anything you can’t bring inside by yourself should be permanently attached to the ground in your backyard. Use heavy chains to attach grills, swing sets, and other large objects to the ground.

As soon as you get word of an approaching hurricane, set your fridge and freezer to the coldest setting. Chilling your food as much as possible will help it last longer in the event of a power outage.

If your home floods, large area rugs will soak up stormwater like a sponge. Roll them up and set them upright to keep them dry.

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Before you turn off your water supply, fill bathtubs, sinks and even buckets with clean water that you can use for flushing the toilet, bathing, and cleaning. You might not need this water, but it could prove useful if your water supply is off for several days.

Surging floodwaters can break gas lines or dislodge seals, causing dangerous gas leaks. When you return to your home for the first time, use a flashlight rather than a candle to light your way. That way, if there is a gas leak, you won’t accidentally cause an explosion. If you do smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main valve and call your gas company, police department, and fire department immediately.

Hurricanes and tropical storms can also contaminate the tap water with the same harmful bacteria found in floodwater. Don't drink or cook with tap water until local authorities give the OK.

As soon as you are able to return to your home, check for any damage. Walk through the house room by room, taking photos of any issues you notice. That way, you’ll be prepared to file any necessary insurance claims and begin repairs.

Even if the worst of the storm has passed, lingering weather can still prove problematic. Once it’s safe to return to your property, take steps to prevent even more damage. If falling trees punctured your roof, cover any holes with a tarp to keep out rainwater. If your windows have been blown out, tape plastic sheeting over the opening. Since most insurance doesn’t cover damage sustained after the storm, this step could be crucial.

Ensure that your home is safe to inhabit before starting any cleanup or repairs. Contact a licensed contractor to check the building’s structural integrity, an electrician to check your wiring, a plumber to check the water lines, and the gas company to check for any gas line breaks.

Even if your home didn’t sustain much damage, you’ll likely have to clean up a lot of debris on your property. And since that debris might have been contaminated by floodwater, you don’t want to use your bare hands. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend wearing safety gear such as heavy work gloves, waterproof boots, goggles, and hard hats during disaster cleanup.

Start the process of cleaning up by airing out your home and throwing out any wet items that won’t dry quickly, like mattresses, couches, and books. If mold has already started to grow, clean it up with a mixture of bleach and water. Drywall and insulation that have been soaked by floodwater have to go, too.

Experts also say you should be careful not to over-exert yourself as you recover from a hurricane. Emotions often run high after a disaster, so physical tasks can tire you out more quickly than usual.

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As Hurricane Ian approaches the west coast of Florida, more than 2 million people have already evacuated. The storm comes less than two weeks after Hurricane Fiona barreled through Puerto Rico in what was, until that point, a relatively quiet hurricane season.

It's easy to feel powerless while facing natural disasters of such epic proportions. Although evacuating early is the only true way to avoid these dangerous storms completely, it isn't always an option for everyone; however, you can take measures to protect your home and family. Stacker consulted official recommendations from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security, Red Cross, and other experts to compile this comprehensive list of steps you should take to prepare for and recover from a hurricane.

Take the following steps to ensure you have everything you need the next time disaster strikes—and to ensure you're able to return home, assess the damage, and begin to rebuild while staying safe. Remember: Even after the weather itself clears, the negative effects of a hurricane often linger.

From emergency supply kits to reporting losses, keep reading for 30 ways to prepare for and recover from hurricanes.

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