Powerful Storm Hilary Wreaks Havoc in California, Heavy Rain and Flooding
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Sulaiman
- . August 21, 2023
- . Update: August 21, 2023 6:20 pm
Tropical storm Hilary unleashed its fury upon Los Angeles in California, causing widespread destruction as it made landfall on Sunday. The storm’s intensity and severity have sent shockwaves across the state, leaving Hollywood and Disney reeling from the impact of powerful winds, heavy rainfall, and devastating floods.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for much of Southern California as heavy rain, flooding, downed trees, road closures and power outages caused havoc. The National Hurricane Center reported maximum sustained winds of 45 mph near the coast of Southern California. Moreover, the National Weather Service warned of life-threatening flooding amid heavy rain in western Los Angeles county and eastern Ventura County. The affected areas included Camarillo and Newbury Park.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass warned, at an afternoon press conference, that the worst of rains is potentially left to come. She said winds were likely to pick up during the evening and night hours. Kristin Crowley, L.A Fire Chief, said fortunately there have been no reports of any injuries or significant damage at this time. But there have been few incidents – a person had to be rescued from a flooded car, wires were down throughout the city, two debris flow incidents occurred in the Sherman Oaks area, and a large tree fell over in Westwood.
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Eastern Los Angeles witnessed the greatest amount of rainfall and is expected to persist through Monday morning. Forecasters described the rainfall amounts “historic” and expressed concern about San Bernardino and Inyo counties. US President Joe Biden ordered authorities to move personnel and supplies into the affected region.
Meteorologists believe Hilary is the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years, dropping more than half an average year’s worth of rain on some areas. It is the latest major climate disaster to wreak havoc across the US, Canada and Mexico.
