Hilary Headed Our Way – Unprecedented Storm Expected to Hit Malibu, L.A. County Sunday and Monday

The Tropical Strom Watch has been expanded to include ALL of LOS ANGELES County, as well as mountains, valley and foothills of Ventura County. pic.twitter.com/zL6SX9vO50

— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) August 18, 2023

An unprecedented storm system, Hurricane Hilary, is headed to Southern California. This is first tropical storm to hit the region in more than 80 years.

Public safety officials say to expect lot of rain, fierce winds, potential heavy, damaging surf, flash flooding, debris flows in the burn scar areas, including older burn scars areas from the Woolsey Fire even though the area has seen significant re-growth with recent uptick in consistent moisture since earlier this year.

Officials are predicting dangerous rip currents at L.A. County Beaches Sunday and Monday.

Excessive rain produced flooding as a result of burn scars shortly after the Woolsey Fire. Officials are predicting that in spite of a significant regrowth and plenty of moisture earlier this year, flooding could occur again in these area.

In anticipation of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Hilary, L.A. County Fire Department officials told Malibu Daily News they will “have augmented staffing in place from this weekend into next week, with resources ready for tactical deployment. This will include additional engines, heavy equipment, swiftwater teams, firefighters, and lifeguards on duty”.

CalTrans is expecting to be busy as well especially in canyon areas which should be navigated with extreme caution as the heavy rains loosens rock and boulders sending them into the roadways.