Hurricane Hilary Downgraded To Tropical Storm, But It Can Still Be 'Catastrophic'

Former Hurricane Hillary, now downgraded to a tropical storm, is causing significant concerns as it moves northward along Mexico's Baja California peninsula, AP reports.

While no longer a hurricane, the storm continues to carry substantial amounts of rain, prompting forecasters to warn of "catastrophic and life-threatening" flooding across the southwestern United States.

As of 8 am Pacific time, Tropical Storm Hillary was situated approximately 220 miles south-southeast of San Diego, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The storm preserved maximum sustained winds of 70 mph and traveled northwest at 25 mph.

Meteorologists have emphasized that the storm remains hazardous, and despite its diminished intensity, it can still trigger significant impacts.

Downgraded Hurricane Hillary has already resulted in tragedy. In the Mexican town of Santa Rosalia, situated on the peninsula's eastern coast, one individual drowned as a vehicle was swept away in an overflowing stream.

Emergency responders saved four other people, highlighting the dangerous conditions and the need for caution.

Forecasters anticipate that Tropical Storm Hillary will be the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years.

This unprecedented event is expected to bring a range of adverse weather conditions, including flash floods, mudslides, isolated tornadoes, high winds, and potential power outages.

The authorities issued an evacuation advisory for Santa Catalina Island, urging residents and tourists to leave the area, which is located 23 miles off the coast.

According to Elizabeth Adams, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service San Diego office, Southern California could experience rainfall rates of up to 3 inches per hour.

This intense downpour is expected across the region's mountains and deserts from late Sunday morning to afternoon.

The substantial rainfall during these hours can trigger widespread and life-threatening flash floods.

Schools Will Be Closed Monday as Tropical Storm Hillary Hits

The second-largest school district in the nation, Los Angeles Unified School District, will remain closed on Monday due to the presence of Tropical Storm Hilary, formerly Hurricane Hillary, per CNN.

Superintendent Alberto Carvalho explained that the decision was to ensure the safety of students and staff.

The Los Angeles Unified School District encompasses an expansive area of around 700 square miles, leading to diverse conditions in various neighborhood schools.

Similarly, the San Diego Unified School District delayed the start of its school year by a day to assess the storm's impact and prepare for the new academic term.

The San Diego Unified School District serves a student population exceeding 121,000 from preschool through 12th grade.

Magnitude 5.1 Earthquake Rocks Southern California as Tropical Storm Hillary Hits

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake jolted Southern California on a Sunday afternoon, coinciding with the region's experience of Tropical Storm Hilary's effects, according to Fox News.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) determined that the earthquake's epicenter was approximately 4 miles southeast of Ojai, California, around 80 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

The magnitude of the 5.1 event occurred at 2:41 pm PT and was followed by several smaller aftershocks spanning magnitudes from 2.6 to 4.0.

Despite the upgraded magnitude to 5.1, the City of Calabasas reported no damage caused by the earthquake.

Moments before the seismic activity, residents received alerts via the USGS Shake Alert system, advising them to adopt protective measures: "Earthquake detected! Drop, cover, hold on. Protect yourself."

This earthquake event transpired as the tropical storm, formerly Hurricane Hillary, hovered less than 100 miles from San Diego, California, as reported by Fox Weather.

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Hurricane Hilary has been downgraded to Tropical Storm Hilary before making landfall in San Diego - From CBS 8 San Diego