CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. — A deluge brought by Tropical Storm Hillary left a trail of destruction in its wake across Southern California, marking the region’s first tropical storm in 84 years. The storm submerged roads, uprooted trees, and necessitated the use of heavy machinery to rescue a dozen seniors stranded in nursing homes. Its trajectory shifted northwards, prompting flood alerts and warnings to be disseminated across six states.
While the National Hurricane Center in Miami noted Hillary’s dwindling power, with the storm now reduced to remnants traversing the Rocky Mountains, it cautioned that “life-threatening and locally catastrophic flooding” loomed over parts of the southwestern United States. Post historic downpours, the peril of flooding was most pronounced in states further north, spanning from southeastern Oregon to the elevated terrains of central and western Idaho. Thunderstorms and concentrated heavy rainfall were anticipated for the ensuing Tuesday.
Transformation of Hillary: From Hurricane to Troubling Remnants
Hillary initially struck the arid Baja California peninsula in Mexico as a hurricane, inducing widespread flooding and causing one fatality. It subsequently diminished into a tropical storm. The stormy weather compounded an array of potentially disastrous natural events besieging California on that fateful Sunday. Beyond the tropical storm’s emergence, a tornado warning, wildfires, and a moderate earthquake near Los Angeles collectively contributed to the turmoil. Fortunately, California has reported no fatalities, severe injuries, or extensive damage thus far. However, authorities remain vigilant, particularly in mountainous regions susceptible to mudslides triggered by saturated slopes.
Dramatic Rescues and Unforeseen Challenges
A poignant instance unfolded in Cathedral City near Palm Springs, where rescue teams employed bulldozers to navigate through mud and evacuate 14 residents from a flooded nursing home. Chief Michael Contreras of the fire department recounted this heroic effort, among 46 rescues executed amid the city’s mud and water inundation, ranging up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) deep, during a span from late Sunday night to the following afternoon.
San Bernardino County encountered its own challenges, with roughly 30 individuals stranded near the Seven Oaks community due to flooding of the Santa Ana River. The treacherous currents ruled out boat usage, compelling overnight stays for those affected. Helicopter rescue missions were executed, rescuing a person with a fractured leg. However, some individuals were adamant about waiting out the waters’ retreat rather than opting for aerial evacuation.
Aftermath and Lessons from Hillary’s Fury
Efforts persisted in the northwest San Bernardino Mountains, where approximately 800 residents were impacted by home-obstructing mud. Cal Fire Chief Alison Hesterly shared insights into these recovery operations. In the mountain hamlet of Oak Glen, the tenacity of community members like Brooke Horspool prevailed as they assisted in unearthing a house enveloped by roughly 4 feet (1.2 meters) of dirt. An elderly man with health concerns was among those rescued from the predicament.
While reflecting on the storm’s aftermath, Terry Flanigan recounted a close call in Palm Desert. A towering eucalyptus tree, measuring over 100 feet (30 meters) in height, fell onto an adjacent apartment. Fortunately, the 11-year-old resident was unharmed, having been situated in another room at the time of the incident.
Hillary’s emergence added to a series of consequential weather events affecting not only the United States but also Canada and Mexico. Hawaii grappled with a devastating wildfire claiming over 100 lives, constituting the nation’s deadliest blaze in more than a century. In Canada, firefighters tackled a record-breaking fire season.
As for the unusual size and trajectory of Hillary, scientists including Kerry Emanuel, a hurricane expert from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, conceded that the mechanics behind such phenomena remain elusive. Kristen Koboshiro, an atmospheric scientist at the University at Albany, added that eastern Pacific storms are typically smaller and confined to tropical areas, making Hillary’s expansive reach anomalous yet not unprecedented.
Looking ahead, UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain conveyed that while wet conditions might curb wildfires across parts of Southern California and the Sierra Nevada for weeks, fire-prone regions may not be entirely exempt. It’s a reminder that even as regions grapple with the aftermath of one disaster, the threat of others remains, emphasizing the ongoing need for preparedness and resilience.
