Anticipate Significant Rainfall as Tropical Storm Hilary Approaches Southern California
Prepare for intense rainfall over Sunday and Monday as Tropical Storm Hilary approaches Southern California. This weather system carries the potential for dangerous flash floods and hazardous mudslides. Rainfall accumulations are predicted to vary between 2 and 10 inches.
Stay updated by refreshing this page for the latest developments.
6:56 p.m. Sunday – Southern Californians in the path of Tropical Storm Hilary are urged to be on the look out for falling debris and flooded roadways, and avoid going outside if at all possible, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services said.
6:53 p.m. Sunday – Flash flood warnings for Los Angeles, Glendale and Santa Clarita have been extended until 3 a.m. Monday, weather officials announced.
6:47 p.m. Sunday – As Tropical Storm Hilary continues to drench SoCal, several locations in L.A. County are nearing three inches of accumulation, according to data from the National Weather Service.
6:40 p.m. Sunday – Schools in the Rialto Unified School District will be closed Monday due to the extreme weather conditions, officials announced.
6:30 p.m. Sunday – The eye of Tropical Storm Hilary has reached Southern California with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and gusts up to 70 mph. Follow KTLA’s interactive radar map for the storm’s path and major advisories.
6:22 p.m. Sunday – In response to the severe weather conditions triggered by Tropical Storm Hilary, the City of Los Angeles has confirmed the continued operation of temporary emergency shelters. These shelters are dedicated to offering a place of refuge for unhoused individuals who are impacted by the ongoing extreme weather.
6:19 p.m. Sunday – The William S. Hart Union High School District in Santa Clarita Valley has canceled classes for Monday.
5:33 p.m. Sunday – As Tropical Storm Hilary made landfall, torrential rain unleashed deadly floodwaters onto the streets of Mexico’s arid Baja California on Sunday. The storm’s path extended into Southern California, raising apprehensions of potential flash floods even in regions as distant as Idaho, which seldom experience such intense rainfall.
Deadly floodwaters inundated streets across Mexico’s arid Baja California on Sunday as Tropical Storm Hilary moved ashore carrying torrential rain into Southern California, and concerns mounted that flash floods could strike in places as far north as Idaho that rarely get such heavy rain.
5:26 p.m. Sunday – National Weather Service has stated that there is a likelihood of life-threatening flash flooding and potentially severe local flooding tonight in Southern California as Tropical Storm Hilary moves northward, bringing heavy rainfall. Additionally, the heavy rains are anticipated to heighten the risk of flash flooding in Southern Nevada.
5:13 p.m. Sunday –Local authorities in San Bernardino County have announced a state of emergency at the local level due to the presence of Tropical Storm Hilary.
4:47 Sunday p.m. – Footage Reveals Pickup Truck Trapped in Overflowing River Water at Ramon and San Miguelito Roads in Thousand Palms.
4:40 p.m. Sunday – The National Weather Service (NWS) Los Angeles has announced the extension of flash flood warnings for Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Glendale until 7:45 p.m. on Monday. Additionally, flash flood warnings will persist for Santa Clarita, Lancaster, and Palmdale until 6:00 p.m. on Monday
4:37 p.m. Sunday – NWS San Diego: Flash Flood Warnings Persist for Indio, Cathedral City, and Palm Desert until 7 p.m. Monday
4:31 p.m. Sunday – All schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District will be closed on Monday, superintendent @LAUSDSup announced at a 4 p.m. news conference. Schools across the district are expected to re-open on Tuesday, according to the superintendent.
4:21 p.m. Sunday – Here is the latest time-lapse composite from NOAA’s GOES-West satellite.
Satellite time-lapse of Tropical Storm Hilary as of 4:00 p.m. on Aug. 20, 2023. (NOAA)
4:15 p.m. Sunday – More than 7,300 utility customers across the region are currently without power, according to Southern California Edison’s website. Some 3,000 of those customers are in L.A. County with another 1,863 in Orange County and more than 1,200 in San Bernardino County.
3:56 p.m. Sunday – Crews with Pasadena Water & Power are responding to a power outage near Pasadena City College, which is affecting an estimated 700 customers, the utility company said.
3:41 p.m. Sunday – Palm Springs City Manager Scott C. Stiles has declared a local state of emergency “due to the critically dangerous impacts of Hurricane Hilary,” officials announced Sunday. The city is experiencing “unprecedented rainfall and flooding of local roadways,” and has had at least one swift-water rescue.
“Dinah Shore at the bridge from Palm Springs to Cathedral City, Farrell Drive between Mesquite Drive and Ramon Road, El Cielo at Mesquite Drive, Araby at the Wash, and Golf Club Drive at the wash re now shut down due to major flooding,” officials added.
3:33 p.m. Sunday – The National Weather Service reports that after the preliminary magnitude 5.1 earthquake that shook the Los Angeles area, there is no tsunami threat for Southern California. “Again, a tsunami is NOT expected,” the weather service said.
3:16 p.m. Sunday – DoorDash is suspending all deliveries in Los Angeles County beginning at 3:45 p.m. Sunday as a result of the the storm, the food ordering and delivery service announced. “DoorDash is closely monitoring conditions on the ground to determine whether to implement the Severe Weather Protocol in addition areas,” the news release stated. Deliveries are set to resume on Monday at 11 a.m. pending weather conditions.”
2:51 p.m. Sunday – An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude 5.1 shook the Los Angeles area Sunday afternoon, just as Tropical Storm Hilary was drenching the region with torrential rain. The quake hit at 2:45 p.m. and was centered 2 miles east-southeast of Ojai in Ventura County at a depth of 1 Kilometer.
2:20 p.m. Sunday – Current road conditions in Palmdale
Palmdale road closures: Sierra HWY – Pearblossom HWY to Avenue S.
Avenue N – Sierra HWY to 10th Street West.
2:08 p.m. Sunday – Update from the Ontario Airport:
@SouthwestAir is suspending all flights from 12 p.m. on Sunday 8/20 through 10:30 a.m. on Monday 8/21.
@FrontierCare is suspending all flights on Sunday 8/20 and Monday 8/21 – Please reach out to your airline for the most updated and current flight status
2:00 p.m. Sunday – Long Beach Transit has announced it will suspend bus service from 6:00 p.m. tonight until 6:00 a.m. Monday. Updates https://twitter.com/lbtransit
1:50 p.m. Sunday – Power Grid Update
The California ISO is closely following Hurricane Hilary and any potential grid impacts. At this time, the grid remains stable and forecasted supply is expected to cover demand. Follow condition updates on the ISO Today app, and on Today’s Outlook: http://www.caiso.com/TodaysOutlook/Pages/default.aspx
1:42 p.m. Sunday – Here is the latest time-lapse composite from NOAA’s GOES-West satellite.
1:30 p.m. Sunday – Current rainfall totals (NWS):
- Palmdale = 1.87″
- Newhall = 2.20″
- Castaic = 1.83″
- Northridge = 1.19″
- Van Nuys = 1.15″
- Beverly Hills = 1.12″
- Alhambra = .98″
- Santa Monica = .83″
- Culver City = .79″
- Long Beach = .70″
- Garden Grove = .67″
- Hawthorne = .58″
- Chino = .43″
1:18 p.m. Sunday – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued an Ocean Water Use Warning for all L.A. County beaches. Beachgoers are advised to avoid water contact for at least 72 hours, the health department said. The advisory will remain in effect until at least 9 p.m. on Thursday but may be extended.
Click here for more information.
1:12 p.m. Sunday – The City of Long Beach has announced the temporary closure of all parks and sports facilities for recreational use, as well as most beach parking lots due to Tropical Storm Hilary.
The Claremont parking lot, located at 5400 East Ocean Boulevard, will remain open for sandbag and sand distribution, as will the lifeguard station at 72nd Place and Ocean Boulevard, until supplies last.
From the City of Long Beach:
Effective at noon today, Aug. 20, the City of Long Beach is temporarily closing all city-run parks, trails and sports facilities for recreational use as well as beach parking lots. This action comes out of an abundance of caution for the safety of the community, as the severe weather system from Tropical Storm Hilary is expected to impact Long Beach and surrounding cities Sunday and Monday. This action will continue through at least noon on Monday.
12:47 p.m. Sunday – From the National Weather Service:
Bands of moderate to heavy rain have moved into LA County from the southeast with the heaviest rain in the mountains and Antelope Valley as northeast winds wrap around Hilary in a counter clockwise direction. Not seeing any imminent threat of thunderstorms but can`t rule out an isolated storm, especially later this afternoon and tonight as what`s left of Hilary moves into California and continues its northward trajectory. Wing gusts 30-55 mph are possible, strongest in the mountains.
12:40 p.m. Sunday – Regional Emergency Shelters
In response to Hurricane Hilary, @Cal_OES is coordinating with @CaliforniaDSS and local governments to ensure impacted Californians have access to shelters and vital resources. To learn about open shelters, visit: https://wp.me/pd8T7h-8v6
12:15 a.m. Sunday – L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn on KTLA:
“We know to prepare for disasters … we’re ready for anything to happen.”
“We’re all hands on deck for this once-in-a-lifetime event,” Hahn told KTLA 5’s Pedro Rivera and Lauren Lyster.
12:07 p.m. Sunday – Cal State Los Angeles has canceled classes for Monday.
11:55 a.m. Sunday – The Flash Flood Warning has been expanded to include the cities of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Glendale until 7:45 p.m.
11:40 a.m. Sunday – The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for an area of Los Angeles County that includes Santa Clarita, Lancaster and Palmdale until 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
From the NWS: Expect rainfall rates of .5 to 1 inch per hour with 2-4″ possible.
11:30 a.m. Sunday – From the L.A. County Sheriff’s station in Palmdale:
Mudslide on the 14 FWY northbound #2 lane between Avenue P and Avenue N. Heavy Flooding: Avenue O & 30th St. W. Avenue O & 25th St. W Avenue N @ 17th W, 25th W, 30th W Avenue N CLOSED btw Sierra Hwy & 10TH W. These are just a few of many. Slow down, friends!
11:13 a.m. Sunday – Here is the radar view of Tropical Storm Hilary as of 11:00 a.m. Sunday. Tropical storm and flood advisories have been issued for much of Southern California.
Watch live radar on your phone, tablet or PC: https://trib.al/6EzcpCr
10:56 a.m. Sunday – All Los Angeles County Parks are closed today and tomorrow (Monday, Aug. 21) due to Tropical Storm Hilary.
10:45 a.m. Sunday – From Los Angeles Animal Services:
LA Animal Services reminds pet owners that being prepared and ready will help you, your family, and your pets stay safe in an emergency. Here are our safety tips to help you plan for emergencies.
10:42 a.m. Sunday – Long Beach Advisory:
In response to the severe weather system expected to affect Long Beach today, Sunday, Aug. 20, and Monday, Aug. 21, as a result of Tropical Storm (formerly Hurricane) Hilary, the City of Long Beach advises residents to report storm-related issues by calling the Department of Public Works maintenance hotline at 562.570.2700 (option 3 for clogged storm drains and option 4 for downed trees) or by submitting a request on Go Long Beach by selecting “Street Repair.”
10:40 a.m. Sunday – Red Cross Emergency Shelters
These American Red Cross shelters are open to evacuees:
– Norman P. Murray Center (24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo)
– El Centro Community Center (375 So. 1st Street, El Centro)
– Redlands East Valley High School (31000 E Colton Ave, Redlands
– A list of the nearest shelters can be found here
10:40 a.m. Sunday – Evacuations
An evacuation warning is in effect for residents of the Mountain Cove area in Azusa beginning Sunday at noon and lasting until Monday at noon. The streets affected within Mountain Cove are Highwood Court, Mountain Laurel Way, Moonridge Court and Poppyglen Court.
From the Azusa Police Department:
The Azusa Police Department is issuing a voluntary evacuation warning to a number of residents of Mountain Cove. L.A. County Public Works has issued a Phase 3 Alert for this area. This means there is a risk for moderate to heavy mud and debris flow. If you decide not to voluntarily evacuate, we encourage you to stay vigilant and report and debris and mud flow in your area. Please be mindful of the potential for power outages due to the expected high winds.
Evacuations have been ordered by the San Bernardino County Sheriff for the communities of Oak Glen, Forest Falls, Mountain Home Village, Angelus Oaks and northeast Yucaipa ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Hilary.
10:33 a.m. Sunday – Satellite view of Tropical Storm Hilary from GOES-West (NOAA)
10:20 a.m. Sunday – The Bear Valley Unified School District has announced that schools will be closed on Monday.
10:07 a.m. Sunday – Surfers are still enjoying the waves at Huntington Beach. Watch live cams>>>
9:53 a.m. Sunday – The updated storm track from NOAA:
9:36 a.m. Sunday – A flood advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday evening for all of Los Angeles County, including Catalina Island. .2 to .5 inches of rain is expected per hour, the National Weather Service said. County residents are urged to look out for pooled water across low lying areas and roadways with poor drainage.
9:11 a.m. Sunday – Due to flooding, the truck lane connectors from the 5 Freeway to the 14 Freeway north of Sylmar have been closed until further notice, Caltrans announced.
To view traffic and road conditions in your area, click here.
9 a.m. Sunday – Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson announces that additional sand and sandbags are available at the following locations on Sunday, while supplies last:
- Fire Station 7, located at 2295 Elm Avenue
- Firs Station 12, located at 1199 Artesia Boulevard
- Fire Station 13, located at 2475 Adriatic Avenue
- Fire Station 14, located at 5200 Eliot Street
- The lifeguard station at 72nd Place and Ocean Boulevard
- Claremont Beach parking lot, located at 5400 East Ocean Boulevard
8:55 a.m. Sunday – Here is the current radar view of Tropical Storm Hilary. Rain has begun falling across the entire region. Watch live Hilary radar
8:37 a.m. Sunday – Los Angeles city officials are holding a press conference to discuss Hurricane Hilary and its potential impacts.
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass urged Los Angeles residents to stay safe, stay home and stay informed so that crews can respond to emergencies as quickly and safely as possible.
“Our primary focus is to protect the life and property of Angelenos, and second, we need to keep our city workers safe,” Mayor Bass said at Sunday morning’s press conference. “Third, we must ensure that city services are operating as best as possible given the circumstances.”
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho will announce whether schools in the district will be open on Monday later in the day on Sunday, Mayor Bass said.
Fire department officials said that LAFD units are “proactively staffed” to better help with disaster response efforts.
“We have proactively staffed and augmented additional resources throughout the city that have been strategically pre-deployed within the city to ensure your safety…and reducing risk,” said LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley.
Click here to watch the full press conference.
8:32 a.m. Sunday – Several car accidents due to poor road conditions caused by Hurricane Hilary have been reported.
According to California Highway Patrol, the driver of a white sedan lost control and careened into an embankment on the westbound 210 Freeway on-ramp near 30th Street in San Bernardino early Sunday morning.
Elsewhere on Sunday morning, an Amazon semi-truck slid off the northbound 215 Freeway in Riverside. The debris has since been cleared.
