Hurricane Hilary, a powerful Category 3 storm, is rapidly moving through the Pacific Ocean towards Mexico and California. Although it has weakened, it still poses a significant threat of heavy rain and dangerous flooding. The storm is about 235 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula as of 8 a.m. Saturday. Meteorologists have warned of the potential for “life-threatening” and “catastrophic” flooding in Baja and the Southwestern United States. The storm may cause up to 6 inches of rain in the Baja California Peninsula, with isolated amounts up to 10 inches, and could lead to flash flooding. Southern California and Southern Nevada are also expected to receive similar rainfall totals, which could result in dangerous and locally catastrophic flooding. As a result, a flood watch has been issued for much of Southern California, including Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Residents in the region are racing to prepare sandbags and fill generators before Hilary’s arrival, and emergency officials are setting up evacuation centers. The storm is expected to weaken as it approaches the Baja California Peninsula and will most likely become a tropical storm before reaching Southern California. Although the exact landfall location may not make a significant difference, forecasts suggest that strong winds and heavy rain could lead to mudslides, landslides, and road blockages. The Mexican army has mobilized thousands of troops in anticipation of severe infrastructure damage. This summer, the Eastern Pacific hurricane season has been active, with several storms tracking west toward Hawaii. However, it is rare for a tropical storm to make landfall in California. The only recorded case of a tropical cyclone making landfall in Southern California was in 1939. Climate change is a contributing factor to the intensity of storms. In a warming world, hurricanes can hold and produce more rainfall, as seen with Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Researchers have also found that storms have been slowing down over the past few decades, leading to increased rainfall in specific areas. These storms have broader implications, including storm surge, rapid intensification, and a broader reach of tropical systems.