California faced a deluge on Sunday as Tropical Storm Hilary surged in from Mexico, raising concerns about potentially dangerous flooding in the usually dry southwestern region of the United States.
Adding to the tension, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck near the southern California town of Ojai, though no immediate reports of damage or casualties surfaced.
As of Sunday afternoon, Hilary's center was within California, with sustained winds of up to 95 kilometers per hour (59 mph). The US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) described the storm as an unusual occurrence for southern California, having originated from Mexico's Baja California Peninsula. The storm raced along at a swift 37 kilometers per hour (23 mph).
By Sunday night, the NHC issued warnings of potential historic rainfall, anticipated to result in "life-threatening to locally catastrophic flash, urban, and arroyo flooding" across parts of the state through Monday.
Reports revealed intense flooding in areas near Palm Springs, outside Los Angeles. Death Valley National Park had to close due to "hazardous flood conditions," according to the National Park Service.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the unprecedented nature of this weather event, while authorities mandated beach closures and residents hurried to stores for essential supplies. Flash floods and even tornado warnings were disseminated in certain regions.
Previously, Hilary had reached Category 4, the second-highest classification on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. However, it weakened to a tropical storm while advancing towards the densely populated Mexican border city of Tijuana.
Despite the downgrade, Deanne Criswell, administrator of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), urged the public to heed the seriousness of the threat.
"Hurricane Hilary will significantly impact and pose a threat to southern California," she conveyed on CNN.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for a substantial portion of the southern region of California.
"Stay safe, California," Newsom implored on social media as Hilary drew closer.
Authorities opened five storm shelters and deployed over 7,500 personnel, including hundreds of National Guard soldiers and swift water rescue teams, according to Newsom's office.
In San Diego, residents filled sandbags to brace for potential flooding, while lifeguards cautioned against venturing into the sea."