ISLAMABAD: A powerful combination of natural disasters hit Southern California over the weekend, with Hurricane Hilary releasing torrential rains and causing flash floods, while the region was still recovering from a 5.1 magnitude earthquake.
Residents and officials are grappling with an unprecedented crisis due to the rare convergence of these calamities.
The Path and Impact of Hurricane Hilary
Initially classified as a tropical storm, Hurricane Hilary struck Baja California, Mexico, making landfall with devastating force. It claimed at least one life and caused extensive flash flooding in the region, turning city streets into raging torrents, sweeping away roads, and inundating neighborhoods. Alarming images flooded social media depicting the destruction.
As Hurricane Hilary progressed northward, it intensified its impact on Southern California, compelling Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency for the affected areas. This declaration by the governor was an unusual event for a region more accustomed to combating droughts than confronting tropical storms.
Flash floods and evacuations
Flash flood warnings remained effective until at least 3 a.m., with the forecast predicting a staggering 5 to 10 inches of rain in mountain and desert regions – an amount that typically requires an entire year to accumulate.
The deluge wrought havoc in areas unaccustomed to such weather, resulting in serious flooding in the San Gabriel Mountains and coastal areas of Ventura County.
In San Bernardino County, authorities mandated evacuations for numerous towns in the mountains and valleys. Social media platforms overflowed with visuals of torrents of water, mud, rocks, and trees surging through these areas. Wrightwood, a town northeast of Los Angeles, saw rain washing trees and mud down hills in Sheep Canyon. Oak Glen, another evacuated town, witnessed gushing floodwaters propelling debris into the air, as residents grappled with the unprecedented flooding.
Southern California Shaken by Earthquake
Adding to the anxiety, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake hit Southern California, striking approximately 4.35 miles southeast of Ojai in Ventura County. Thankfully, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, but the earthquake caused buildings to rattle, and several smaller aftershocks followed. This seismic activity acted as a precursor to the impending hurricane impact, heightening concerns for residents and emergency responders.
Hurricane Hilary’s Link to Climate Change
Scientists are closely examining the role of climate change in intensifying tropical storms like Hurricane Hilary. The rising frequency of extreme weather events has prompted questions about how climate change influences the pattern and ferocity of these storms.
Spaghetti Models Shape Future Outlook for Hurricane Hilary
Meteorologists are continuously monitoring Hurricane Hilary’s path and forecasting its future trajectory. The utilization of spaghetti models, which trace various potential routes, is assisting officials and residents in preparing for the evolving situation.
As Southern California faces the dual threats of flash floods and seismic activity, the region stays on high alert, with communities uniting to provide mutual support during this unprecedented period of adversity.
