Due to the effects from Hurricane Hilary to impact Southern California August 2023 as a tropical storm, you may want to consider delaying your travel — or, at least, keep yourself updated as to the latest information pertaining to the weather — if this region is in your travel plans over the next few days.
Hurricane Hilary to Impact Southern California: August 2023 Travel Alert
Maximum sustained winds of Hurricane Hilary — which is currently approximately 235 miles west of the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula and moving north northwest at a speed of 16 miles per hour — are at 125 miles per hour as a major Category 3 hurricane with a distinct eye; and after the hurricane weakens somewhat, the first landfall is expected to occur either near La Lobera on the northwestern coast of the state of Baja California Sur or Isla de Cedros off the southwestern coast of the state of Baja California sometime in the early morning hours tomorrow, Sunday, August 20, 2023.
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for:
- Baja California peninsula from Punta Abreojos to Cabo San Quintin
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for:
- Baja California peninsula north of Cabo San Quintin to Ensenada
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
- Baja California peninsula from Punta Abreojos southward
- Baja California peninsula entire east coast
- Baja California peninsula north of Cabo San Quintin to the border which California shares with Mexico
- Mainland Mexico north of Guaymas
- The border which California shares with Mexico to Point Mugu
- Catalina Island
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:
- Mainland Mexico from Huatabampito to Guaymas
Cities that are expected to be affected by Tropical Storm Hilary include Burbank, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Ana, Palm Springs, Escondido, Chula Vista, Carlsbad, Irvine, Long Beach, Anaheim, Riverside, San Bernardino, Victorville, Palm Desert, and Barstow.
Although Las Vegas is not expected to be impacted directly — as the storm is expected to pass to the west — the city is already starting to experience the effects of the outer bands of Hurricane Hilary.
Whoa pic.twitter.com/bs9Hfzinjf
— Las Vegas Locally 🌴 (@LasVegasLocally) August 18, 2023
Wow what a down pour the water is flowing @NWSVegas this is my street in east Las Vegas pic.twitter.com/1FUf5xkZHs
— zevah (@Lady_Zevster) August 19, 2023
Despite the forward speed of the storm — which will prevent it from stalling over any particular area — dangerous rough surf with large and destructive waves, localized catastrophic flash flooding, strong rip currents, windy conditions, and rainfall of up to ten inches are all possible in some areas of the Baja California peninsula and portions of California and Nevada. Electrical power outages, mudslides, and even tornados are also likely to occur.
🟡 Latest thoughts on Hilary's rain and wind 🟡
The heaviest rainfall will occur Sunday morning through Sunday night, with windiest conditions occurring Sunday afternoon/night. Secure any valuables around your residence and remember to never drive through flooded roads. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/JHaeUCOdL6
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) August 18, 2023
What is interesting is that Hurricane Hilary will impact Southern California as a tropical storm sometime during the evening hours tomorrow, Sunday, August 20, 2023, with San Diego expected to be in the direct path of the storm — although the area will begin to feel the effects of the storm while it is still a hurricane. The last time a tropical storm impacted Southern California was Monday, September 25, 1939, when landfall occurred near San Pedro.
Just as interesting is that western Nevada, Northern California, southwestern Idaho, and Oregon will also be affected by what will have been the former Hurricane Hilary — which is also a rare occurrence. The remnants of Hurricane Hilary may still be classified as a tropical depression when they arrive in Washington state.
Flight Waivers, Delays, and Cancellations
If you are traveling to Southern California over the next few days, expect delays and cancellations of flights. Keep up to date on the latest information pertaining to this tropical weather system which may adversely affect your travel plans. Better yet, postponing or canceling your trip might be a better option — no matter which mode of travel you plan on taking.
If you have a flight scheduled, your flight may be delayed or canceled — and you may be eligible for a waiver of a fee to change your itinerary. If you are driving in any of these areas, watch out for deteriorating weather conditions and traffic problems.
Here are ten airlines which have issued travel alerts as a result of this tropical weather system:
- American Airlines has issued travel alerts for:
- Nine airports in California for Sunday, August 20, 2023 through Monday, August 21, 2023; and Friday, August 25, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Los Cabos / San Jose del Cabo for Saturday, August 19, 2023 through Sunday, August 20, 2023; and Tuesday, August 22, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Delta Air Lines has issued travel alerts for:
- Las Vegas and seven airports in California for Sunday, August 20, 2023 through Monday, August 21, 2023; and Thursday, August 24, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Cabo San Lucas for Saturday, August 19, 2023 through Sunday, August 20, 2023; and Wednesday, August 23, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- United Airlines has issued travel alerts for:
- Nine airports in California for Sunday, August 20, 2023 through Monday, August 21, 2023; and Monday, August 28, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Cabo San Lucas for Saturday, August 19, 2023 through Sunday, August 20, 2023; and Wednesday, August 23, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Alaska Airlines has issued travel alerts for Los Cabos and Loreto for Friday, August 18, 2023 through Sunday, August 20, 2023; and Friday, August 25, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Southwest Airlines has issued travel alerts for:
- Las Vegas and eight airports in California for Sunday, August 20, 2023 through Monday, August 21, 2023; and Monday, September 4, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Los Cabos for Friday, August 18, 2023 through Sunday, August 20, 2023; and Sunday, September 3, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- JetBlue Airways has issued travel alerts for:
- Burbank, Los Angeles, Ontario, and San Diego for Sunday, August 20, 2023 through Monday, August 21, 2023; and Friday, August 25, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Los Cabos for Friday, August 18, 2023 through Sunday, August 20, 2023; and Tuesday, August 22, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Frontier Airlines has issued travel alerts for San Diego, Santa Ana, and Ontario for Sunday, August 20, 2023 through Monday, August 21, 2023.
- Spirit Airlines has issued travel alerts for five airports in California for Monday, August 21, 2023 through Tuesday, August 22, 2023; and Friday, August 25, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Allegiant Air has issued travel alerts for Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Ana for Sunday, August 20, 2023 through Monday, August 21, 2023.
- Air Canada has issued travel alerts for Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Ana for Friday, August 18, 2023 through Monday, August 21, 2023.
Final Boarding Call
I never thought I would see the day where I would be reporting on tropical storm advisories for Southern California and Las Vegas — but here we are. If you reside in these areas and have never been through a tropical system, consider evacuating now, as desert areas can flood quickly.
Be sure to contact your airline or transportation provider for the latest information pertaining to your travels — if they are adversely affected — and please: travel safely.
Source: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the Department of Commerce of the United States.
