Hurricane Hilary, a powerful Category 4 storm, is advancing toward Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, prompting the United States’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) to issue its first-ever tropical storm watch for California. The NHC warns of life-threatening floods and potential catastrophe, forecasting that the storm may near Mexico’s Cabo San Lucas by late Friday. Although Hilary is anticipated to weaken before reaching the US West Coast, dangerous rains and flood risks loom over regions including San Diego, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Palm Springs. The hurricane’s unusual strength in the icy California waters raises concerns about severe flooding.
Prelims pointer
- Category 4 Hurricane: A classification on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, indicating a major hurricane with sustained winds between 130 and 156 mph. Category 4 storms can cause significant damage to structures and infrastructure.
- National Hurricane Center (NHC): A division of the US National Weather Service responsible for tracking and forecasting hurricanes and tropical storms, providing critical information to protect lives and property.
- Tropical Storm Watch: An alert issued when tropical storm conditions, including strong winds and heavy rains, are possible within the specified area within 48 hours.
- Storm Surge: The abnormal rise of seawater level during a storm, causing coastal flooding. It results from strong winds and low atmospheric pressure pushing water onto the shore.
- Heat Dome: A high-pressure area that traps hot air beneath it, leading to prolonged periods of extreme heat. The term is used to describe stagnant, hot weather conditions that can contribute to heatwaves.
