August 18, 2023 - MATHER – The State of California is closely monitoring the development of Hurricane Hilary in the Pacific Ocean as it may have significant impacts on California in the coming days. Yesterday, the National Hurricane Center classified Hilary as a Category 2 Hurricane with maximum sustained winds increasing to near 105 miles per hour with higher gusts. Hurricane Hilary is likely to become a major hurricane later today, with additional rapid strengthening forecast during the next day.

At Governor Gavin Newsom’s direction, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is coordinating across state government to support state and local preparations. Cal OES remains in constant communication with the National Hurricane Center, the National Weather Service and county emergency management officials in the areas of the state that are in the path of this storm.

The State Operations Center in Mather, California is already actively coordinating an early, unified and orderly response across state agencies to surge resources to the impacted region in preparation for potential impacts and to support response and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the storm. In particular, the state is working closely to protect Californians who may be most at risk for the impacts of the storm.

Hurricane Hilary is currently forecast to track into Southern California over the weekend and into early next, bringing moderate to heavy showers, thunderstorms and possibly stronger winds to Southern California. With flooding impacts possible, high river levels are also expected in Southern California, especially in San Diego areas, beginning Saturday night. The location and intensity of precipitation and winds will be variable as the hurricane approaches California.

Depending on the track of the storm, some impacts are also possible for Central and Northern California Monday and Tuesday.

The Governor and his Administration urge everyone to follow the guidance of local officials and to:

• Sign up to receive local emergency alerts.
• Make a family emergency plan.
• Check on loved ones and neighbors.
  
  Source: CalOES