Hurricane Hilary's Aftermath: Impact on the Southwestern U.S.

Hurricane Hilary, a once Category 4 hurricane, was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone but still brought unprecedented impact to the southwestern U.S., Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. The National Hurricane Center warned that the storm could cause life-threatening and locally catastrophic flooding. This article will discuss the aftermath of Hurricane Hilary, including the record-breaking rainfall, flooding, and emergency response efforts in the affected regions.

Record-Breaking Rainfall

Hurricane Hilary caused record-breaking rainfall in various regions, including Palm Springs, Los Angeles, and Santa Clarita Valley, resulting in flooding and mudslides. Palm Springs recorded 2.06 inches of rain, breaking the previous record for the date. Los Angeles International Airport measured 1.28 inches of rain, breaking the previous record of “a trace” set in 2002. The University of Southern California’s weather station recorded 1.53 inches of rain, breaking the last record for the date of 0.03 inches set in 1906. The heavy rainfall led to numerous rock and mudslides, as well as flash flooding in various areas.

Emergency Response and Preparations

In response to the storm, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for much of Southern California to support Hurricane Hilary response and recovery efforts.

The State Operations Center at the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) was activated, and the state closely monitored impacts from rain, wind, flash flooding, and potential power outages. The state also activated its Medical and Health Coordination Center to coordinate and monitor response efforts and issued an alert to all health facilities in the state. Resources and personnel were deployed to assist in the response and recovery efforts.

Impacts on Communities

The impacts of Hurricane Hilary on communities were significant, with over 24,000 residents in Monterey County affected by widespread flooding. Swift Water Rescue crews, made up of firefighters from across the Bay Area, were deployed to assist in water rescues and evacuations. In Palm Springs, at least three swift water rescues were conducted by local police.

Infrastructure and Transportation Disruptions

Hurricane Hilary caused disruptions to infrastructure and transportation, including road closures, traffic issues, and power outages. In Los Angeles and Ventura counties, life-threatening flash flooding and rock and mudslides caused considerable damage. Cars were stuck in floodwaters in the Spanish Hills area. In San Bernardino County, flooding occurred on Highway 2, and a rockslide was reported on Interstate.

Las Vegas Valley

As what’s left of Hilary continues to move up farther north, dropping heavy rain in parts of west-central & northwestern Nevada, Las Vegas has dodged the heaviest rain, with most falling west of the valley. Despite this, Hurricane Hilary has brought havoc to Southern Nevada, including the Las Vegas Valley, with disruptions that extend far beyond the typical monsoon seasonal rains. The storm led to 53 flight cancellations and 94 delays at Harry Reid International Airport, with passengers urged to check with their airlines and allow extra travel time. The storm also caused severe flooding on Mt. Charleston, leading to a severe leak in the Kyle Canyon Water System and a boil water order for all residents.

The governor of Nevada activated 100 members of the National Guard to assist with substantial flooding in areas such as the old town and Rainbow subdivision on Mt. Charleston. Power has been cut off, roads are closed, and a shelter has been set up for affected residents. High wind warnings with gusts up to 70 mph near Mount Charleston are in place, and a flood watch remains in effect for parts of Southern Nevada, including Las Vegas Valley, until 5 p.m. Monday.

As the remains of decaying Hilary lift through the western Mojave Desert, the residents of Southern Nevada, especially in the Las Vegas Valley, are bracing for further challenges. With travel chaos, water disruption, potential flooding, and ongoing wind warnings, authorities and citizens are urged to stay informed and take appropriate precautions as the situation continues to evolve.

Nye County, Nevada, and Death Valley National Park Impacts

Hurricane Hilary also brought significant rainfall and flooding to Nye County, Nevada, and Death Valley National Park. The storm caused disruptions to local infrastructure, including road closures and damage to park facilities. Emergency response efforts were initiated to address the impacts of the storm in these areas, with local authorities and park officials working together to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

In Nye County, the heavy rainfall led to flash flooding, causing road closures and damage to infrastructure. Local authorities worked to clear debris and restore access to affected areas, while also monitoring the ongoing threats posed by the remnants of Hurricane Hilary.

Death Valley National Park, known for its extreme heat and dry conditions, experienced a rare deluge of rainfall from the storm. The park’s facilities and infrastructure were impacted by the flooding, with some roads and trails becoming impassable. Park officials closed certain areas for safety reasons and initiated cleanup efforts to restore access and assess the damage caused by the storm.

As recovery efforts continue in Nye County and Death Valley National Park, the impacts of Hurricane Hilary serve as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and response efforts for extreme weather events in all regions.

Ongoing Threats and Recovery Efforts

As the remnants of Hurricane Hilary continued to pose threats, recovery efforts were underway by organizations like the American Red Cross and local authorities. The storm’s aftermath left many areas without connection to emergency services, such as the Palm Springs community, which lost power to its 911 lines. State and federal resources were deployed to assist in the ongoing response and recovery efforts.
Conclusion

The aftermath of Hurricane Hilary had a significant impact on the southwestern U.S., Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, with record-breaking rainfall, flooding, and emergency response efforts. The storm highlighted the importance of preparedness and response efforts for future extreme weather events. As communities continue to recover from the storm’s effects, it serves as a reminder of the need for effective planning and coordination in the face of natural disasters.

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