Tropical Storm Hilary Brings Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding Risk to Southwestern U.S.

Residents of the southwestern United States are facing a new threat as Tropical Storm Hilary moves north towards the region. The storm, which was once a Category 4 hurricane, has weakened since Friday and was downgraded to a tropical storm on Sunday morning.

The National Weather Service has warned that the storm will bring heavy rainfall and potentially “life-threatening” flash flooding over Baja California and the Southwestern U.S. Hilary is the first tropical storm to arrive in the region in 84 years.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in response to the storm, which made landfall Sunday in the northern part of Mexico’s Baja California. As of Sunday evening, the storm is moving north past San Diego with maximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour.

Wildfires have burned through millions of acres in the U.S. in recent years, leaving burn scars behind as lasting impact on the landscape. This makes the region particularly vulnerable to flooding, as the lack of vegetation makes it difficult for the soil to absorb water.

A tropical storm warning has been issued for southern California, and residents are urged to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property. The National Weather Service is monitoring the storm and providing updates as it moves north.