Hurricane Hilary, which has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm is bringing rain and major flooding is possible.
A tropical storm warning along with flood advisories and beach hazard advisories are in effect. . Some areas in the mountain and deserts could see over 2 inches of rain per hour during the peak storm period and 10-12 inches in total, while the coastal region was expected to get up to 2 inches total and 3-4 inches in the inland valleys and foothills
Authorities are advising people to avoid driving during the storm if at all possible due to the storm causing flash and urban flooding including landslides, mudslides and debris flows, with dangerous to locally catastrophic flooding expected late Sunday and early Monday.
Emergency Proclamations
The County of San Diego proclaimed a local emergency at Saturday night in response to Hilary's expected impact on the area. The county's Chief Administrative Officer Helen Robbins-Meyer and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Holly Porter issued the local emergency proclamation on behalf of the board of supervisors. Under the proclamation, the county is able to fully deploy all of its available resources necessary for storm response. Other agencies from around Southern California will supplement the San Diego area with additional resources.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a state of emergency for much of Southern California to help organize and deploy emergency workers, as needed.
Flight Cancellations and City Closures
At least 220 flights scheduled for San Diego International Airport on Sunday have been cancelled according to FlightAware,.
The City of San Diego said it is closing all public facilities — including city libraries, recreation centers, pools, beaches and parks — both Sunday and Monday. City facilities will open Tuesday, weather permitting. Torrey Pines, Balboa and Mission Bay golf courses will also be closed both days. California State Parks said it is temporarily closing all state parks and beaches, including campgrounds.
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance says the Safari Park in Escondido will be closed on Sunday. Conservationists plan to reopen the park Monday. "Our wildlife care specialists, horticulturists, and other essential teams across operations will remain on grounds," the statement says.
"For the safety of everyone involved -- our horses, our riders and all the workers, staff and fans -- we have made the decision to cancel Sunday's races," DMTC President and COO Josh Rubinstein said. This is just the second time in 84 years that weather has forced race cancellations. The track doesn't plan to schedule a make-up day.
In a message sent to pass members, SeaWorld San Diego announced it will be closed on Sunday. The park will provide updates via social media and its website.
Ships to Sea
The Navy on Saturday sent about 10 warships to sea from San Diego Bay to ride out the storm and make them better able to lash down dozens of other ships that were left behind. It’s the kind of shift that’s never occurred in San Diego, home to nearly 60 warships. The vessels included the carriers USS Nimitz and USS Theodore Roosevelt, two of biggest ships in the Navy, and the destroyer USS Halsey, which leaned on its horn to chase civilian boaters out of its path.
(Photo Getty Images)