Hurricane Hilary: Deadly storm batters Baja California and threatens U.S. Southwest

Hurricane Hilary: Deadly storm batters Baja California and threatens U.S. Southwest

Hurricane Hilary wreaks havoc

Hurricane Hilary, a powerful storm that formed in the Pacific Ocean, has been wreaking havoc on Mexico’s Baja California peninsula and is expected to bring heavy rain and flooding to parts of the U.S. Southwest. Here are the latest updates on the situation:

One man killed in Baja California Sur

A man died in the state of Baja California Sur after he and his family were swept away by a strong current while trying to cross a stream, according to a local official. The official said the incident happened on Friday night in the municipality of Comondú, where the storm caused severe damage to roads and bridges. The other four family members were rescued by local authorities.

Flights and sports games disrupted in the U.S.

The hurricane has also affected air travel and sports events in the U.S., as it moves closer to the coast of southern California. Several flights were canceled or delayed at Los Angeles International Airport on Saturday, according to the airport’s website. The Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team postponed their game against the Colorado Rockies due to the weather conditions, while the Los Angeles Rams football team moved their preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders from Saturday night to Sunday afternoon.

Hurricane weakens but still poses danger

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Hurricane Hilary weakened to a Category 1 storm on Saturday evening, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph). It was located about 125 miles (200 km) west-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, a popular tourist destination on the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. The NHC said the hurricane was moving west-northwest at 12 mph (19 kph) and was expected to turn northwest on Sunday. However, the NHC warned that Hilary still posed a serious threat to life and property, as it could dump up to 10 inches (25 cm) of rain in some areas of Baja California and California, causing flash and urban flooding. The agency also said that swells generated by the hurricane could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the coasts of both countries.

Biden briefed on storm preparations

U.S. President Joe Biden received a briefing from his senior staff on Saturday on the preparations for Hurricane Hilary and the coordination with state and local agencies, according to the White House. Biden also approved an emergency declaration for California, which authorizes federal assistance and resources to supplement state and local efforts.

Schools and shelters in Mexico

In Mexico, authorities in Baja California and Baja California Sur suspended school and other non-essential activities until Monday, as a precautionary measure. They also urged residents in high-risk areas to evacuate to temporary shelters or safer locations. The Mexican government said it had deployed more than 4,000 personnel from various agencies, as well as helicopters, planes, boats, and vehicles, to assist with relief and rescue operations.

 

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