[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

Sun Aug 20 16:16:38 CDT 2023

WTUS86 KSGX 202116
HLSSGX
CAZ043-048-050-055>058-060>062-065-552-554-210530-

Tropical Storm Hilary Local Statement Advisory Number 18
National Weather Service San Diego CA  EP092023
216 PM PDT Sun Aug 20 2023

This product covers EXTREME SOUTHWESTERN CALIFORNIA

**CATASTROPHIC AND LIFE-THREATENING FLOODING LIKELY OVER BAJA
CALIFORNIA AND THE SOUTHWESTERN U.S. THROUGH MONDAY**

NEW INFORMATION
---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Apple and Lucerne
      Valleys, Coachella Valley, Orange County Coastal Areas, Orange
      County Inland Areas, Riverside County Mountains, San Bernardino
      County Mountains, San Bernardino and Riverside County
      Valleys-The Inland Empire, San Diego County Coastal Areas, San
      Diego County Deserts, San Diego County Mountains, San Diego
      County Valleys, San Gorgonio Pass Near Banning, and Santa Ana
      Mountains and Foothills

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 170 miles south-southeast of San Mateo Point CA or about
      100 miles southeast of Mouth of Tijuana River CA
    - 31.3N 116.1W
    - Storm Intensity 60 mph
    - Movement North or 350 degrees at 23 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------

Hurricane Hilary is expected to reach southern California at tropical
storm strength today. Flash flooding can be expected across the whole
region, with rare and dangerous flooding expected across the mountains
and deserts. Strong, tropical-storm force winds are expected today.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------

* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
devastating impacts across southern California. Potential impacts
include:
    - Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks
      in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks,
      canals, arroyos, and ditches may become raging rivers. In
      mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while
      increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood
      control systems and barriers may become stressed.
    - Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
      communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
      away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape
      routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water
      with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very
      dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened
      or washed out.

Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across southern California.

* WIND:
Protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across
EXTREME SOUTHWESTERN CALIFORNIA. Potential impacts include:
    - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored
      mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about.
    - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or
      uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are
      shallow rooted, especially in coastal and valley locations that
      don't typically experience strong winds. Some fences and
      roadway signs blown over.
    - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on
      bridges and other elevated roadways.
    - Scattered power and communications outages.

* TORNADOES:
Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across the Coachella Valley. Potential impacts include:
    - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
      of emergency plans during tropical events.
    - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
      of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
    - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
      homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
      uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and boats tossed about. Dangerous
      projectiles can add to the toll.

Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts
across mountains, other desert areas, and inland valleys of EXTREME
SOUTHWESTERN CALIFORNIA.

* SURGE:
Little to no impacts are anticipated at this time across EXTREME
SOUTHWESTERN CALIFORNIA.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:
Listen to local official for recommended preparedness actions,
including possible evacuation. If ordered to evacuate, do so
immediately.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and
property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a
safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.

If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible.
Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges
will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather
forecast before departing and drive with caution.

If heading to a community shelter, become familiar with the shelter
rules before arrival, especially if you have special needs or have
pets. Take essential items with you from your Emergency Supplies Kit.

Failure to adequately shelter may result in serious injury or loss of
life. Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any
orders that are issued. Remember, during the storm 9 1 1 Emergency
Services may not be able to immediately respond if conditions are
unsafe. This should be a big factor in your decision making.

Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles
can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide
poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly
ventilated area.

It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an
emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.

If you are a visitor, be sure to know the name of the city or town in
which you are staying and the name of the county or parish in which
it resides. Listen for these locations in local news updates. Pay
attention for instructions from local authorities.

Storm surge is the leading killer associated with tropical storms and
hurricanes! Make sure you are in a safe area away from the surge
zone. Even if you are not in a surge-prone area, you could find
yourself cutoff by flood waters during and after the storm. Heed
evacuation orders issued by the local authorities.

Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone
area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded
roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown!

If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter
quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not
prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter
options.

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, consider moving to a safer shelter before the onset of
strong winds or flooding.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets
for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes
to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather
warnings.

* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org

NEXT UPDATE
-----------

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in San Diego CA around 8PM PDT, or sooner if conditions
warrant.

$$

Connolly
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