Tropical Storm Hilary Forms Off Mexico’s West Coast, Poses Heavy Rain Threat To Southern California

Tropical storm Hilary formed along the west coast of Mexico and threatens to bring heavy rain to Southern California next week. The National Hurricane Center also forecasted that Hilary will transition to an extratropical storm by August 21.

On the morning of August 16, tropical storm Hilary formed along the western coast of Mexico and is forecasted to bring heavy rain to Southern California early next week. Reports say if tropical storm Hilary does make landfall, it would become the fourth tropical storm to hit the area.

According to Karins, the National Hurricane Center, a subdivision of the National Weather Service, also forecasted that by August 19, tropical storm Hilary’s peak intensity will be a Category 3 hurricane with winds at 120 mph. By August 20, heavy rainfall is forecasted to reach Southwest Arizona.

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Tropical Storm Hilary Transitions to Extratropical

According to Walker, ultimately, by August 21, tropical storm Hilary is forecasted to transition to an extratropical storm with 60 mph maximum sustained winds near the border of California and Mexico. Nonetheless, the potential damage of winds appears to be a minor concern in comparison to the threat of heavy rainfall.

Further reports say the Weather Prediction Center also forecasted that the rainfall will total to 2-4 inches, with the isolated areas going over 6 inches. This suggests that a slight risk of flash flooding is anticipated which will likely upgrade to moderate or high risk if the forecast continues.

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