As Hurricane Hilary approached Southern California on Saturday, officials identified the regions likely to be hardest hit, including inland mountains, deserts, and valleys.
Palm Springs could experience up to 6 inches of rain, while the nearby Santa Rosa Mountains might receive as much as 10 inches, all within a single day, according to NBC News’ Climate & Weather Unit.
The tropical cyclone is expected to make landfall in northern Baja California on Sunday morning before advancing toward San Diego County, as noted by the National Weather Service’s San Diego office.
State shuts beaches, Coast Guard advises caution amid expected 8-foot waves.Despite a predicted downgrade to a tropical storm upon reaching the U.S., the storm’s potential for severe impact remains high.
In response, San Bernardino County has issued evacuation orders for some mountain and foothill communities, while Orange County officials have recommended evacuations in Silverado and Williams canyons.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of significant damage.
The Southern California coast is also expected to see dangerous waves, potentially reaching 8 feet through Monday.
In light of this, the state has closed its beaches from the U.S.-Mexico border to the southern boundary of Los Angeles County, and the U.S. Coast Guard has advised boaters and beachgoers to avoid the water.