大象传媒

Tropical Storm Hilary is bringing wind and heavy rain to southern California. A state of emergency has been declared across the region and at least nine million people are hunkering down amid flash-flood warnings. Matthew Capucci, an atmospheric scientist and storm chaser explained the situation in Palm Springs, California where he said 'some people are seeing close to a year's worth of rain in just 24 to 36 hours.' He said ' the sandy soils there can't take in any of the moisture so when there's a sudden amount of heavy rain it accumulates with nowhere to go causing devastating flooding.' This is the first tropical storm to hit this region in more than 80 years and has been called an 'unprecedented weather event'. The storm has already brought chaos to western Mexico's Baja California peninsula, where Mexican troops are helping evacuate people from the worst-affected areas.

Photo shows a vehicle driving through a flooded road in Palm Springs California as Tropical Storm Hilary moves through the area on August 20, 2023. Credit Mario Tama/Getty Images)