Hurricane Hilary Strengthens to Category 4, Bringing Possible Life-Threatening Flooding and Mudslides to Southern California

Residents of Southern California are bracing for the arrival of Hurricane Hilary, which has strengthened to a Category 4 storm.

The National Weather Service has reported that the storm is expected to bring 3 to 6 inches of rainfall, with maximum amounts of 10 inches, across portions of Baja California through Sunday night. There is also the possibility of flash flooding.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Hilary’s maximum sustained winds had risen to 120 mph (195 kph), making it a Category 3 hurricane. It is expected to grow into a Category 4 hurricane Friday and could make landfall on the central Baja California peninsula by Sunday or possibly keep just offshore while heading for Southern California.

Residents of the area should be prepared for damaging wind gusts, especially at higher elevations, and swells along the coast. Greg Postel, a hurricane and storm specialist at the National Hurricane Center, said that the storm could bring “life-threatening” flooding and mudslides to the region.

The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the southwestern U.S. by the weekend. Residents of Southern California are urged to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.