Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | August 16,2023 |
Remnant low | August 20,2023 |
Dissipated | August 21,2023 |
Category 4 major hurricane | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Highest winds | 140 mph (220 km/h) |
Lowest pressure | 940 mbar (hPa);27.76 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 3 total |
Damage | ≥$915 million (2023 USD) |
Areas affected | Western Mexico,Revillagigedo Islands,Baja California peninsula,Western United States |
Part of the 2023 Pacific hurricane season |
Hurricane Hilary was a large and powerful Pacific hurricane in August 2023 that brought torrential rainfall and gusty winds to the Pacific Coast of Mexico,the Baja California Peninsula,and the Southwestern United States,resulting in widespread flooding and mudslides. The cyclone was the eighth named storm,sixth hurricane,and fourth major hurricane of the 2023 Pacific hurricane season. [nb 1] Hilary originated from a tropical wave south of Mexico on August 16,and strengthened into a hurricane a day later while paralleling the southwest coast of Mexico. The hurricane underwent rapid intensification,reaching maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (220 km/h) and a central pressure of 940 mbar (27.76 inHg) on August 18,making it a Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson scale. After environmental conditions became unfavorable,Hilary weakened as it approached land,making landfall as a tropical storm in San Quintín along the western Baja California peninsula,becoming post-tropical before being absorbed into a new system shortly after.
In Mexico,the hurricane's threat caused thousands of people to evacuate to shelters and for ports to close along the coast. In anticipation of "catastrophic and life-threatening flooding",the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued its first-ever tropical storm warning for Southern California,extending from the Mexico–United States border to just north of Los Angeles. [1] Persistent heavy rainfall,potentially "more than a year’s worth of rain" in some areas,was forecasted. Due to this,flood watches were issued,affecting about 26 million people across four states (Arizona,California,Nevada,and Utah),and the region was placed under a high risk threat for flash flooding by the Weather Prediction Center (WPC). [2] [3] [4]
In Mexico,the hurricane killed two people due to floodwaters,and left 250 million pesos (US$14.7 million) in damage. The storm left behind flooded roads,mudslides and downed trees in the Baja California peninsula and in Southern California. Some areas of the latter region received up to 600% of their annual rainfall averages for the month of August. [5] The floods killed one person in San Bernardino County,California. Damage in the United States were estimated at US$900 million,much of it in Inyo County,California,where most of the roads in Death Valley National Park were damaged by floods. The park was closed for two months,its longest ever closure. Hilary broke records in four U.S. states for wettest tropical cyclone or its remnants.
The origins of Hilary was from a tropical wave that exited the western coast of Africa around August 3. The wave moved westward across the Atlantic Ocean, reaching the Lesser Antilles by August 9. On that day, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) first identified the potential for the eventual development, 156 hours before Hilary's formation. [6] The tropical wave crossed Central America into the far eastern Pacific Ocean on August 12, producing a large area of disorganized convection, or thunderstorms. [6] [7] As early as August 13, hurricane prediction models anticipated a tropical cyclone would affect Mexico and the southwestern United States. [8] A low pressure area developed on August 14 south of the Gulf of Tehuantepec, as the thunderstorms gradually organized. After a low-level circulation formed early on August 16, the system developed into a tropical depression by 06:00 UTC, located about 345 mi (555 km) south of Acapulco. Six hours later, the depression intensified into a tropical storm, and the NHC named it Hilary. [6]
Upon its formation, Hilary was moving northwestward, steered by a ridge over Mexico. Atmospheric and environmental conditions were conducive for further strengthening, including warm sea surface temperatures of near 30 °C (86 °F), ample moisture, and low wind shear. [6] Accordingly, the NHC warned that Hilary had a high likelihood of rapid intensification. [9] Convection around the storm increased and organized into a central dense overcast, with an eye developing in the center. [10] On August 17, Hilary intensified into a hurricane, by which time it had expanded into a large tropical cyclone, with tropical storm-force winds extending 230 mi (370 km) from the center. [6] Symmetric outflow and pronounced rainbands developed around the hurricane. [11] Early on August 18, Hilary intensified into a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, thus becoming a major hurricane. [6] The convection around the center organized into a thick ring around the eye. [12] At 06:00 UTC that day, the NHC estimated that Hilary attained a peak intensity of 140 mph (220 km/h), making it a Category 4 hurricane, while its barometric pressure dropped to 940 mbar (28 inHg). The intensity estimate was based on satellite imagery using the Dvorak technique. By the time of its peak, Hilary commenced a 48 hour period of intensification following its development. [6]
After reaching its peak intensity, Hilary weakened slightly due to an eyewall replacement cycle, in which the inner eye collapsed as the larger, outer eyewall contracted. [6] The Hurricane Hunters first investigated the storm late on August 18, by which time Hilary fell to Category 3 intensity. Around that time, the hurricane began moving more to the northwest, reaching the western periphery of the ridge over Mexico. [13] [6] Another Hurricane Hunters flight on August 19 observed that Hilary re-intensified into a Category 4 hurricane, with a secondary peak of 130 mph (215 km/h), and a pressure of 943 mbar (27.8 inHg). Thereafter, drier and stable air began affecting the hurricane, along with cooler water temperatures, causing the eye to fall apart. Hilary quickly weakened as it accelerated north-northward, responding to the steering influences of a trough of low pressure near the California coast and a ridge of high pressure over the central United States. The hurricane weakened into a tropical storm on August 20, as wind shear from the trough displaced the thunderstorms far north of the center. At around 17:00 UTC that day, Hilary made landfall in a sparsely-populated region of northwestern Mexico in the state of Baja California, with sustained winds estimated at 60 mph (95 km/h). [6] This was about 215 mi (345 km) south-southeast of San Diego, California. [14]
After moving ashore, Hilary's circulation became elongated and disrupted over the mountainous terrain of Baja California. Devoid of convection, Hilary degenerated into a post-tropical cyclone, and soon after was absorbed by a low pressure area developing near the southern coast of California, outside of Hilary's wind radius. Operationally, NHC had tracked the two systems as the same, assessing that Hilary continued into southern California as a tropical storm, [6] which would have had made it the first tropical storm to cross into the state since Nora in 1997. [15] The combined system, which included the remnants of Hilary continued moving through the western United States, eventually crossing into Canada. [16] [17]
The Mexican government issued watches for southern Baja California Sur on August 17. [18] They were upgraded to warnings later that day. [19] Hurricane watches were issued for western parts of the Baja California peninsula at 03:00 UTC on August 18, and by 15:00 UTC the same day, they were upgraded to hurricane warnings as hurricane watches were issued for the west coast of Baja California. [20]
Nearly 1,900 people in Mexico evacuated to shelters along the Baja California peninsula. This included about 850 people evacuated by the Mexican Navy from five offshore islands. [21] Several schools in Cabo San Lucas were used as temporary shelters, and 18,000 soldiers were on alert. [22] Officials closed ports from Oaxaca to Colima on August 17, [23] [24] and later extended closures to Baja California Sur. School classes and public activities were cancelled in Baja California, with a baseball game postponed. [25] Around 20 flights were cancelled at Los Cabos International Airport. [26] Beaches were closed in La Paz, Tijuana, and Ensenada. [22] [27] [28]
On August 15, five days before Hilary's landfall and a day before the system was named, local National Weather Service (NWS) offices in California first released videos and briefings related to the potential impacts. The first issued a flood watch on August 17 for the mountain and desert regions of southern California. [8] A day later, the NHC issued its first-ever tropical storm watch for Southern California, later upgraded to a tropical storm warning. [29] [30] The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) also issued a level 4/high risk for excessive rainfall, which was the first ever high risk of flash flooding in the desert valleys of Southern California east of the Peninsular Ranges. [29] [31] The NWS issued a flood watch for portions of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, affecting about 26 million people. [4] WPC forecaster David Roth described the rainfall potential as "exceedingly rare, bordering on unique, for the region from a tropical cyclone and unique for Nevada, which had its first ever High Risk WPC Day issued for the state". Roth expected a broad area would experience 1-in-100 year rainfall totals. [32] [33] [34] The NWS also issued flash flood warnings for San Bernardino and Kern counties. [35]
On August 20, the Storm Prediction Center issued a level 2/slight risk in Southern California, which included 5% risk of tornadoes. [36] That night, a tornado warning was issued for Alpine and Descanso in San Diego County. [37] The WPC later forecast the chance for 5 inches (130 mm) of rainfall in the mountains of Idaho from the system. [38] Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff and personnel were ordered to be positioned in southern California by President Joe Biden, and Biden urged residents and people in the storm's path to take precautions. [39] [40] [41] An emergency operations center was opened in San Diego and Los Angeles. [42] [43] [44]
California governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for southern California. [45] [46] Local states of emergency were declared in Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and in Indio. [47] [48] [49] The California National Guard preemptively deployed to multiple locations across southern California on August 19. [50] The American Red Cross opened shelters in Imperial, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. [48] Emergency shelters were also opened by local governments in Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms. [51] Nevada governor Joe Lombardo deployed 100 National Guard and Nevada National Guard troops to assist southern Nevada impacted by severe weather associated with Hilary. [52] [53] Lombardo also declared a state of emergency, along with emergencies in Clark and Nye counties. [53] [54] The United States Navy moved carriers and ships out to sea and out of Hilary's path, including the USS Theodore Roosevelt, and to park aircraft in hangars. [55] The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation announced that all parks and facilities were closed for two days. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department advised all people to leave Catalina Island on August 19, while Avalon Bay was closed to boats and ships. [29] [56] Additional resources were deployed to the island by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. [56] On August 19, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department issued evacuation warnings for Oak Glen, Forest Falls, Mountain Home Village, Angelus Oaks and northeast Yucaipa. [29] Officials issued a voluntary evacuation order for residents around the Salton Sea, due to the potential for flooding. [57] Evacuation warnings were also issued for Orange County, including areas near the Bond Fire scar. [58] Parts of Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, and Lake Mead were closed. [22] [59] [60] [61] At Death Valley National Park, about 400 employees, residents, and visitors sheltered in place. [62]
Amtrak cancelled its August 19 run of the westbound Sunset Limited due to the storm; [63] the eastbound August 20 run was also cancelled with its Texas Eagle attachment originating in San Antonio. [64] They also truncated the August 19 runs of westbound Southwest Chief and the southbound Coast Starlight to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Emeryville, California, respectively. [65] The August 20 runs of these two trains going eastbound and westbound respectively would also originate from these locations. [66] Numerous Pacific Surfliner trains were also cancelled. [67] The launch for Falcon 9 and Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base near Los Angeles was postponed by SpaceX. [68] [69] Numerous airlines offered travel waivers to airports in southern California, after at least 1,000 flights were cancelled and 3,700 were delayed across the region. [70] Affected airports included Palm Springs, Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Burbank, Long Beach, Ontario, Orange County, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and San Diego. [71] [72]
Major League Baseball rescheduled three games in advance of Hilary: one each for the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Los Angeles Angels. [73] Major League Soccer home games for the LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC were also rescheduled. [74] Del Mar Racetrack canceled the race meeting scheduled on August 20. This is only the second time in the 84-year track's history that such a cancellation occurred. [75] In addition, no live audience was permitted to attend the August 20 games for VALORANT Champions Los Angeles at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall. [76] Ongoing strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA were cancelled for Monday in Los Angeles in preparation for Hilary. [77] A concert at the Hollywood Bowl was postponed, and all Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation areas were closed. [78] Disneyland and Disney California Adventure were closed early. Legoland California, SeaWorld San Diego and San Diego Zoo were closed on August 20. [79] [80] The Los Angeles Zoo, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Knott's Berry Farm were also closed. [49] California State University, Los Angeles and California State University, Fullerton canceled classes on August 21. [81] [82] All campuses in the Bear Valley Unified School District were closed on August 21. [49] On August 20, the Los Angeles Unified School District announced that campuses would be closed the following day. [83] [84] Several schools in Orange County were closed. [82] Fullerton College was closed as well, and schools across the Anaheim Union High School District, Anaheim Elementary School District, and the South Orange County Community College District were also closed. [82] DoorDash temporarily suspended operations in numerous areas across southern California. [72]
Hurricane Hilary caused three fatalities in Mexico during its passage, all related to vehicles swept away by floodwaters. One occurred in Santa Rosalía in Baja California Sur, when floodwaters breached a protection wall, sweeping away a vehicle, with four of the occupants rescued. The other fatalities occurred in Cataviña in Baja California and in Navolato in Sinaloa. [6] [85] From its genesis to its dissipation, Hilary's outer rainbands affected much of western Mexico as far southeast as Oaxaca. [86] Offshore western Mexico, Hurricane Hilary passed west Socorro Island near the time of its peak intensity, producing wind gusts of 79 mph (128 mph). Along the Baja California peninsula, Hilary produced heavy rainfall and gusty winds. The heaviest rainfall was 12.83 inches (326 mm), recorded in San Lucas Norte in northeastern Baja California Sur, which was 180% of the average annual rainfall for the state. High rains caused flooding and landslides across the peninsula. Rainfall spread across the peninsula and into the adjacent states of Sonora and Sinaloa. The highest wind gust in Mexico was recorded by a high-altitude anemometer in Sierra de la Laguna, which recorded wind gusts of 99 mph (159 km/h) at an elevation of 6,395 ft (1,949 m). Closer to sea level, wind gusts reached 69 mph (111 km/h) at Loreto International Airport along the peninsula's eastern coast. Tropical storm-force winds extended into the state of Sonora, where Mar de Cortés International Airport recorded gusts of 66 mph (105 km/h). [6]
The state government of Baja California Sur estimated Mex$250 million (US$14.5 million) worth of damage, related to Hilary. At least 87 homes were damaged in the state, with the worst damage in Loreto, Mulegé, and Comondú. [6] Torrential rainfall caused widespread flooding and landslides in Baja California Sur. [26] Officials in Baja California reported numerous mud and rock slides across the state along with several power outages. [87] In Los Cabos at the southern end of the peninsula, the hurricane caused minor damage to utilities and roads, including potholes. [88] In the state of Baja California, floods damaged the Transpeninsular Highway, as well as a dozen major roads. [6] Coastal areas of Sinaloa recorded torrential rains from the hurricane's passage. [89] In Sinaloa, the storm knocked down 33 power poles, affecting rural roads. [85]
The remnants of Hilary moved through the western United States, producing rainfall from California as far north as Montana. The maximum recorded precipitation of 13.07 in (332 mm) at Upper Mission Creek in southeastern California. [16] Damage nationwide was estimated at US$900 million. [6] The system's push toward Southern California coincided with a 5.1 magnitude earthquake that struck north of Los Angeles near Ojai, California, along with numerous aftershocks. Only minor damage and no injuries were reported from the quakes. [90] [91] As a result, the term "hurriquake" trended on social media. [92] [93]
While Hilary approached and dissipated near Southern California, the storm produced locally high winds along with heavy rainfall, with some desert locations receiving more than half of their annual rainfall in a single day. [8] The strongest gusts were recorded in Los Angeles County –87 mph (140 km/h) at Magic Mountain, and San Diego County –84 mph (135 km/h) at Big Black Mountain. [94] High winds knocked down at least 50 power poles in the town of Thermal. [95] The highest rain totals were recorded in the San Bernardino Mountains –11.73 in (298 mm) at Raywood Flats, and the San Jacinto Mountains –11.74 in (298 mm) at Mount San Jacinto. [94] Floodwaters in the community of Angelus Oaks swept away a mobile home, killing a woman. [6] The remnants of Hilary set rainfall records across the state. [6] Rainfall at Furnace Creek in Death Valley totaled 2.20 in (56 mm), setting a new single-day rainfall record; the amount was more than the annual average rainfall of 2.15 in (55 mm). [96] On August 20, downtown Los Angeles and San Diego each recorded its wettest single summer day on record (June through August) with 2.48 in (63 mm) and 1.82 in (46 mm) of precipitation, respectively. Palm Springs recorded 3.18 in (81 mm), also a single summer day record amount, [97] or 69% of its average annual rainfall. [8] Along the coast, Hilary caused beach erosion. [6]
The collective impacts of downed trees and floods damaged or washed away roads in 13 counties across California, from San Diego and Imperial counties along the state's southern border with Mexico to Siskiyou County in far northern California. The California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) estimated the cost to repair roads at over $146 million. [35] Portions of I-5, I-8, I-10, I-15, the Pacific Coast Highway, and other roads closed. [48] [49] [98] [99] A nearly 30 mi (48 km) stretch of Interstate 10 (I-10) closed for two days from the floods, mud, and debris, which stranded hundreds of vehicles, and made it difficult to travel to Palm Springs. [100] [101] Near Twentynine Palms, high winds blew the roof of a building. [6] In Imperial County near Ocotillo, I-8 was closed for two days after three large boulders fell onto the eastbound highway. [102] [6] On the same interstate, the high winds blew over two semi-trucks. [103] Closed state roads included portions of routes 14, 38, 58, 127, 136, 178, and 190. [35] [104] In Death Valley National Park, flash floods damaged all of the nearly 1,400 mi (2,300 km) of roads, forcing the park to close for two months. Near Lone Pine, floodwaters from the Lone Pine Creek destroyed portions of Whitney Portal Road, which provides access to Mount Whitney. Damage in Inyo County alone was estimated at $500 million. [105] [106] [104] [107] [108] Flash floods also damaged roads and trails in Mojave National Preserve. [109] Farther north, heavy rain produced mudslides and flash flooding in Siskiyou County near Mount Shasta, damaging roads and rains. [110]
Damage in Riverside County totaled $126 million, including about $83 million in damaged roads and bridges, and about $26 million affecting water systems. [111] That made it the costliest natural disaster in the history of the county, with much of it occurring in the Coachella Valley. [112] Across the valley, 9-1-1 phone service was down for a few days, which required residents to either text or call alternate numbers for emergencies. [95] [100] At least six state highways in Riverside County were closed due to floods, debris flow, or rockslides. [95] Floods washed out a bridge over the Mias Canyon, isolating residents in Oak Glen. [113] In Seven Oaks, around 30 people required rescue after the Santa Ana River overflowed, with several homes and vehicles destroyed. [6] Along the Whitewater River, floodwaters 15 ft (4.6 m) deep damaged a bridge, derailed eight train cars, and buried another train in mud. [114] [115] In Palm Desert, floodwaters displaced at least 30 residents in the Spanish Walk neighborhood. [116] [117] Also in Palm Desert, high winds knocked down a large tree, blocking a portion of SR 111. [118] In Cathedral City, floodwaters entered a nursing home, requiring 14 people to be rescued by loaders. [119] At least 10 people in Thermal evacuated to shelters. [120] Floodwaters entered Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, but this did not impact operations there. [47] In Palm Springs, the floods inundated vehicles, [47] while downed power lines sparked a few small fires. [100]
In San Diego, the heavy rainfall caused the San Diego River to quickly rise to a crest of 9.6 ft (2.9 m). [121] City firefighters rescued a group of 13 people from a flooded homeless camp along the river, while the Harbor Police rescued two people from a boat washed against Harbor Island. [122] Floodwaters washed out a portion of SR 78 at Yaqui Pass. [123] High winds overturned a semi-trailer truck near Borrego Springs. [124] In La Habra in Orange County, the winds damaged housing shingles. [125] About 41,000 customers were left without electricity across the Los Angeles area. Also in the city, a mudslide damaged the Marlton School. [126] Across the Imperial Valley, high winds downed trees and power poles, as well as damaging a gas station canopy in El Centro. [57] Damage in Imperial County reached $9.3 million. [101] In Barstow, a lightning strike knocked down a power pole onto I-15, closing the highway. [127] The storm spawned a microburst in Fresno, producing winds of 55 mph (89 km/h), which knocked down 50 trees at the Belmont Country Club. Winds also knocked down a power pole and electric lines in the city. [128] [129] [130]
State | Precipitation | Location |
---|---|---|
Idaho | 3.00 in (76 mm) | Dollarhide Summit |
Montana | 2.30 in (58 mm) | Albro Lake |
Carrot Basin | ||
Nevada | 9.20 in (234 mm) | Lee Canyon |
Oregon | 3.29 in (84 mm) | Morgan Mountain |
Sources: [17] [94] |
Locally heavy rainfall spread across much of the western United States from the remnants of Hilary. [16] Arizona received much less precipitation from Hilary than forecasted, only peaking at (2.10 in (53 mm) in Hilltop. [131] [94] However, records for wettest (total rainfall) tropical cyclones and their remnants were broken in four states: Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Oregon. [17] The strongest winds beyond California primarily occurred in Nevada and Utah at high-elevation locations above 9,000 ft (2,700 m). In a mountainous area near Mount Charleston, in Clark County, Nevada, wind gusts reached 82 mph (132 km/h), strong enough to knock down a few trees. [132] The weather station at Cardiff Pass in Utah recorded a gust of 75 mph (121 km/h). [94] Thunderstorms produced high winds near Weiser, Idaho, reaching 69 mph (111 km/h), strong enough to knock down a few trees. [133] [134]
The new peak rainfall in Nevada was more than double the previous record, with 9.20 in (234 mm) recorded in Lee Canyon. [17] [94] Across Spring Mountains National Recreation Area and nearby mountainous areas, the rains produced flash flooding, which washed away roads, underground pipes, a fire station, and trails. The damage, estimated at $25 million, closed the recreation area until October 26, when Nevada State Route 156 (Lee Canyon Road) was reopened. [135] [136] [137] The community of Mount Charleston had to shelter in place after electricity and road access were cut off. The town's fire department was inundated with mud, with houses and a nearby school damaged. A landslide also damaged part of Lee Canyon Ski and Snowboard Resort. [6] Floods closed a portion of U.S. Route 95 in Nye County, Nevada. [138] The rains rose the water levels in Lake Mead by 0.16 in (4.1 mm). [113] In eastern Washington, rain from the system was beneficial with helping extinguish the 2023 Washington wildfires. [139]
Due to storm damage, Riverside County announced in September 2023 the availability of tax relief for property owners incurring more than $10,000 in damage, while also opening an office in Yucaipa to provide assistance to the public. On October 3, the United States Small Business Administration opened a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Angelus Oaks, to provide loans to homes and businesses affected by the storm. [112] [140] On October 5, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration announced the release of $15.3 million in emergency funds to help rebuild roads and bridges in 12 California counties. [141] On November 22, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a major disaster declaration for five California counties affected by the storm: Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Riverside and Siskiyou. The announcement provided federal funding for emergency work toward repairing or replacing damaged public facilities. [142] On December 14, the Palm Desert city council authorized a $4.63 million contract to expand a water retention basin by about 36%, near where I-10 was flooded. The project was intended to withstand the 100 year flood. [116] In the Mount Charleston region of Nevada, workers spent $11 million to reopen roads to the mountainous communities. [143] At the Lee Canyon Ski Resort, workers used dump trucks to restore damaged ski slopes, [144] reopening the resort on November 4. [145]
In Death Valley National Park, workers began clearing and assessing the damaged roads and infrastructure after the rains ended. Late on August 21, crews reopened state route CA-190 to allow an exit for those who stayed in the park during the floods; however, the road was not opened fully until October 15, marking the longest ever closure in the park's history. [146] [147] The Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads program funded the road repairs, which continued over the following months. On November 1, the park's entrance in Beatty, Nevada re-opened with emergency repairs. [107] [148] Following heavy rainfall in Death Valley, floodwaters reformed the ancient Lake Manly in what the usually dry Badwater Basin, lasting several months. [149] The road to Badwater Basin reopened on November 20, allowing access to the temporary lake. [150] Following additional rainfall from an atmospheric river in February 2024, the park allowed visitors to kayak on the temporary lake, which grew to a length of 6 mi (9.7 km), a width of 3 mi (4.8 km), and a depth of 1 ft (0.30 m). [151]
Hurricane Linda was an extremely powerful Category 5 hurricane that was, at the time, the most intense eastern Pacific hurricane on record, until it was surpassed 18 years later by Patricia. Forming from a tropical wave on September 9, 1997, Linda steadily intensified and reached hurricane status within 36 hours of developing. The storm rapidly intensified, reaching sustained winds of 185 mph (295 km/h) and an estimated central pressure of 902 millibars (26.6 inHg); both were records for the eastern Pacific until Hurricane Patricia surpassed them in 2015. The hurricane was briefly forecast to move toward southern California, but instead, it turned out to sea and lost its status as a tropical cyclone on September 17, before dissipating on September 21. Linda was the fifteenth tropical cyclone, thirteenth named storm, seventh hurricane, and fifth major hurricane of the 1997 Pacific hurricane season. Linda was also the most intense tropical cyclone worldwide in 1997.
The 1999 Pacific hurricane season was one of the least active Pacific hurricane seasons on record. The season officially began on May 15 in the Eastern Pacific, and on June 1 in the Central Pacific; in both basins, it ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period during which most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. The first tropical cyclone of the season, Hurricane Adrian, developed on June 18, while the final storm of the season, Tropical Storm Irwin, dissipated on October 11. No storms developed in the Central Pacific during the season. However, two storms from the Eastern Pacific, Dora and Eugene, entered the basin, with the former entering as a hurricane and becoming the second farthest travelling Pacific hurricane on record.
The 1987 Pacific hurricane season was the last year in which the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Center was the primary warning center for tropical cyclones in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The season officially started May 15, 1987, in the eastern Pacific, and June 1, 1987, in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30, 1987. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when the vast majority of tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
The 1939 California tropical storm, also known as the 1939 Long Beach tropical storm, and El Cordonazo, was a tropical cyclone that affected Southern California in September 1939. Formerly classified a hurricane, it was the first tropical cyclone to directly affect California since the 1858 San Diego hurricane, and is the only tropical cyclone of tropical-storm strength to make landfall in the U.S. state of California. The storm caused heavy flooding, leaving many dead, mostly at sea.
Hurricane Nora was the first tropical cyclone to enter the Continental United States from the Pacific Ocean since Hurricane Lester in 1992. Nora was the fourteenth named tropical cyclone and the seventh hurricane of the 1997 Pacific hurricane season. The September storm formed off the Pacific coast of Mexico, and aided by waters warmed by the 1997–98 El Niño event, eventually peaked at Category 4 intensity on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale.
Hurricane Kathleen was a Category 1 Pacific hurricane that had a destructive impact in California. On September 7, 1976, a tropical depression formed; two days later it accelerated north towards the Baja California Peninsula. Kathleen brushed the Pacific coast of the peninsula as a hurricane on September 9 and made landfall as a fast-moving tropical storm the next day. With its circulation intact and still a tropical storm, Kathleen headed north into the United States and affected California and Arizona. Kathleen finally dissipated late on September 11.
Hurricane John was a Category 4 hurricane that caused heavy flooding and extensive damage across most of the Pacific coast of Mexico in late August through early September 2006. John was the eleventh named storm, seventh hurricane, and fifth major hurricane of the 2006 Pacific hurricane season. Hurricane John developed on August 28 from a tropical wave to the south of Mexico. Favorable conditions allowed the storm to intensify quickly, and it attained peak winds of 130 mph (210 km/h) on August 30. Eyewall replacement cycles and land interaction with western Mexico weakened the hurricane, and John made landfall on southeastern Baja California Sur with winds of 110 mph (180 km/h) on September 1. It slowly weakened as it moved northwestward through the Baja California peninsula, and dissipated on September 4. Moisture from the remnants of the storm entered the southwest United States.
Hurricane Ignacio was the latest-forming first hurricane of a Pacific hurricane season since reliable satellite observation began in 1966. The ninth tropical storm of the 2003 Pacific hurricane season, Ignacio developed out of a tropical wave on August 22 a short distance off the coast of Mexico. It was initially predicted to track out to sea and remain a weak tropical storm, though it unexpectedly organized rapidly to attain peak winds of 105 mph (169 km/h) on August 24 while located a short distance southeast of southern Baja California Sur. Land interaction weakened Ignacio to an 80 mph (130 km/h) hurricane by the time it made landfall near La Paz, and it dissipated on August 27 in the central Baja California peninsula.
Hurricane Isis was the only hurricane to make landfall during the 1998 Pacific hurricane season. The ninth tropical storm and sixth hurricane of the season, Isis developed on September 1 from an interaction between a tropical wave and a large surface circulation to the southwest of Mexico. It moved northward, striking the extreme southeastern portion of the Baja California peninsula before attaining hurricane status in the Gulf of California. Isis made landfall at Topolobampo in the Mexican state of Sinaloa on September 3, and quickly lost its low-level circulation. The remnants persisted for several days before dissipating over the U.S. state of Idaho on September 8.
All types of floods can occur in California, though 90 percent of them are caused by river flooding in lowland areas. Such flooding generally occurs as a result of excessive rainfall, excessive snowmelt, excessive runoff, levee failure, poor planning or built infrastructure, or a combination of these factors. Below is a list of flood events that were of significant impact to California.
Hurricane Madeline was a costly tropical cyclone whose remnants caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage in Texas in October 1998. The final tropical cyclone of the 1998 Pacific hurricane season, Madeline originated from a tropical wave that emerged off the coast of Africa on September 25, 1998. The wave traversed the Atlantic Ocean and crossed over Central America on October 5 or 6. Gradually, the system intensified and was classified as a tropical depression on October 16, a tropical storm later that day, and a hurricane on October 17. The storm reached peak winds of 85 mph (137 km/h) about 95 miles (153 km) southwest of San Blas, Nayarit, and after 18 hours it subsequently began to weaken. Although Madeline never made landfall, numerous rainbands affected the Mexican coast causing no known damage or fatalities. The remnant moisture moved north and contributed to flooding in central Texas, which killed 31 people and caused $750 million in damage.
Hurricane Jimena is tied with Hurricane Norbert as the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall on western portion of the Baja California Peninsula. Jimena was the twelfth named storm, fifth hurricane, third major hurricane and overall second-strongest tropical cyclone of the 2009 Pacific hurricane season. Forming from a tropical wave late on August 28, 2009, off of Mexico's Pacific coast, the system rapidly intensified into a Category 2 hurricane on the next day. Two days after developing, Jimena strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane. After peaking close to Category 5 intensity on September 1, it encountered cold water and began to weaken. When the hurricane made landfall on the Baja California Peninsula on September 3, it was only a Category 2 hurricane. On the next day, the tropical cyclone entered the Gulf of California, though the storm weakened into a remnant low after looping back eastward towards Baja California. The storm's remnants drifted westward into the Pacific afterward, before dissipating on September 8.
Hurricane Doreen was considered the worst tropical cyclone to affect California in 32 years. The tenth tropical cyclone, fourth named storm, and second hurricane of the otherwise inactive 1977 Pacific hurricane season, it developed on August 13. The depression tracked northwestward, intensifying into Tropical Storm Doreen later that day. Further strengthening occurred over the subsequent days, and Doreen attained its peak as a minimal hurricane early on August 15. Executing a turn towards the north-northwest, Doreen made its first landfall as a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale near Puerto San Carlos. Drifting offshore, Doreen made a second and final landfall near the northern portion of the Baja California as a tropical storm before rapidly weakening to a tropical depression. The tropical depression dissipated south of southern California on August 18.
Hurricane Joanne was one of four tropical cyclones to bring gale-force winds to the Southwestern United States in the 20th century. A tropical depression developed on September 30, 1972. It then moved west northwest and intensified into a hurricane on October 1. Hurricane Joanne peaked as a Category 2 hurricane, as measured by the modern Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS), October 2. Joanne then slowed and began to re-curve. Joanne made landfall along the northern portion of the Baja California Peninsula as a tropical storm. The tropical storm moved inland over Sonora on October 6 and was believed to have survived into Arizona as a tropical storm. In Arizona, many roads were closed and some water rescues had to be performed due to a prolonged period of heavy rains. One person was reportedly killed while another was electrocuted. A few weeks after the hurricane, Arizona would sustain additional flooding and eight additional deaths.
Hurricane Odile is tied for the most intense landfalling tropical cyclone in the Baja California Peninsula during the satellite era. Sweeping across the peninsula in September 2014, Odile inflicted widespread damage, particularly in the state of Baja California Sur, in addition to causing lesser impacts on the Mexican mainland and Southwestern United States. The precursor to Odile developed into a tropical depression south of Mexico on September 10 and quickly reached tropical storm strength. After meandering for several days, Odile began to track northwestward, intensifying to hurricane status before rapidly reaching its Category 4 hurricane peak intensity on September 14. The cyclone slightly weakened before making landfall near Cabo San Lucas with winds of 125 mph (205 km/h). Odile gradually weakened as it tracked across the length of the Baja California Peninsula, briefly crossing into the Gulf of California before degenerating into a remnant system on September 17. These remnants tracked northeastward across the Southwestern United States before they were no longer identifiable on September 19.
Hurricane Sergio was a powerful and long-lived tropical cyclone that affected the Baja California Peninsula as a tropical storm and caused significant flooding throughout southern Texas in early October 2018. Sergio became the eighth Category 4 hurricane in the East Pacific for 2018, breaking the old record of seven set in 2015. It was the twentieth named storm, eleventh hurricane, and ninth major hurricane of the season.
Hurricane Dolores was a powerful and moderately damaging tropical cyclone whose remnants brought record-breaking heavy rains and strong winds to California. The seventh named storm, fourth hurricane, and third major hurricane of the record-breaking 2015 Pacific hurricane season, Dolores formed from a tropical wave on July 11. The system gradually strengthened, attaining hurricane status on July 13. Dolores rapidly intensified as it neared the Baja California peninsula, finally peaking as a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson scale with winds of 130 mph (215 km/h) on July 15. An eyewall replacement cycle began and cooler sea-surface temperatures rapidly weakened the hurricane, and Dolores weakened to a tropical storm two days later. On July 18, Dolores degenerated into a remnant low west of the Baja California peninsula.
Hurricane Kay was a Category 2 hurricane that made landfall along the Pacific coast of the Baja California peninsula as a tropical storm. The twelfth named storm and eighth hurricane of the 2022 Pacific hurricane season, Kay originated from an area of disturbed weather that formed south of southern Mexico. Overall, damage from Kay totaled $10.62 million and it was responsible for five fatalities. Rain from the storm proved beneficial for firefighters battling the Fairview Fire in Southern California.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)