Forecasters say 'potentially catastrophic' flooding could occur, along with major wind damage. The storm will make landfall in San Diego County between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday.
The outer bands of Hilary produced enormous thunder and lighting in Palm Springs early Saturday. Much of that energy is spreading west toward San Diego County, where rain cells will unleash energy in the mountains and deserts by 6 p.m. Saturday. The storm will then spread to the coast.
Dangerous longshore currents and rip currents were beginning to appear along the San Diego County coastline on Saturday. Hilary is so powerful the Navy began sending ships out to sea from San Diego Bay on Saturday morning. The vessels included the carrier USS Nimitz, one of biggest ships in the Navy, and the destroyer Halsey, which sounded its horn to get civilian boaters to move out of its way faster.Forecasters said that Hilary will drop from 1.5 to 2 inches of rain at the coast, 2 to 2.
The weather service said it is worried about the potential speed of some downpours. It’s possible that the rain will fall at the rate of 1 inch an hour in the deserts and 0.25 inches an hour at the coast. Such rain could flood major intersections and cause large ponding in the desert. Forecasters say they are just as concerned about winds, which will initially arrive from differing directions, which can confuse the public. Winds out of the east will initially slam the mountains and deserts while winds out of the south rake the coast.On Sunday, the entire county will get hit by tropical storm-force winds — which refer to sustained winds of 40 mph or higher. Gusts could reach 80 mph in the desert. Such gusts can rip boats from moorings, snap tree limbs and stress power lines.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hurricane Hilary strengthens to Category 4 on path towards San Diego CountyHurricane Hilary has strengthened to a Category 4 status in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja California Friday, with sustained winds up to 140 mph.
Read more »
Kaiser's new hospital in San Marcos, its third in San Diego County, opens WednesdayThe 162-bed facility cost $600 million and will serve the health care giant's 188,000 members in North County
Read more »
San Diego braces for heavy rain, wind as Hurricane Hilary gains strengthThe exact path of the storm remained in flux Thursday, with forecasters noting that even slight shifts in its track could dramatically impact rainfall totals.
Read more »
Geologist speaks on possible impacts of Hurricane Hilary on San DiegoDr. Pat Abbott said heavy rain from Hurricane Hilary could potentially lead to bluff collapses on the coast.
Read more »
MAP: Here's how much rain San Diego expects to get from Hurricane HilaryUse this map to track rainfall predictions from Hurricane Hilary near you.
Read more »