Tracking Hilary: Increased monsoon activity for Arizona
As of Sunday Hilary was classified as a tropical storm, according to the National Hurricane Center. While it is not expected to make landfall in Arizona, local weather offices forecast that the storm was expected to bring increased moisture and flooding into the state.
Hilary began as a tropical storm on Aug. 16 when it formed off Mexico's southern Pacific coast, then grew into a Category 4 hurricane before being downgraded.
On Sunday morning, Hilary was about 220 miles south-southeast of San Diego, moving north-northwest and producing winds of up to 70 mph, which nearly halved in speed from the powerful 125 mph winds seen on Saturday. By Sunday afternoon, Hilary was about 150 miles south-southeast of San Diego, producing winds of up to 60 mph.
The National Hurricane Center expected Hilary’s impact would produce “catastrophic and life-threatening flooding likely over Baja California and the southwestern U.S. through Monday.”
Hilary updates: Wind advisory issued for Phoenix area
The storm was expected to weaken as it traveled toward Southern California. This is the first time Southern California has ever been placed under a tropical storm watch.
Sean Benedict, lead meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix, said Hilary is not expected to move directly into Arizona, but increased moisture was expected.
Specific Storm Map:
Flood watch warnings were issued through Monday afternoon, with the highest areas of threat being La Paz and Yuma counties.
Other areas placed under flood watch warning include Parker, Prescott, Prescott Valley, Yuma, Page, Grand Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs, Supai, Flagstaff, Williams, Ash Fork, Seligman, Chino Valley, Camp Verde and Black Canyon City.
The weather service in Phoenix registered strong storm activity in Yuma as early as 6 a.m. Saturday.
The forecast for the Phoenix area is less than half an inch of rain for the weekend, according to Benedict. The National Weather Service in Phoenix reported an expected temperature cool-off for the Phoenix area with highs below the 100-degree mark into Monday.
Benedict said the impacts will increase the farther west people travel. There were concerns with the Joshua Tree National Park as it was forecast to receive 4 to 6 inches of rain. The park is now closed. Benedict advised anyone considering traveling to Southern California this weekend to be aware of bad road conditions.
Interstate concerns: Roadwork underway on fragile I-10 freeway link between California, Phoenix
The National Weather Service reported that numerous storms throughout the state were expected into the evening on Aug. 20. Storms were forecast to include gusty winds with heavy rainfall rates and increasing threats of flooding and flash flooding.
The National Weather Service advised people to avoid slot canyons, creeks, drainages and low-water crossings. The agency also wanted to remind the public never to drive into flooded waters.
There was estimated runoff into the New River at Westmorland based on the forecast rainfall. The river was estimated to rise above the flood stage on the evening of Aug. 20 with an estimated peak on the morning of Aug. 21, about 6 inches above the flood stage.
The National Weather Service was forecasting most rain to taper off by Aug. 21.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Hurricane Hilary tracker: Will storm bring rain to Arizona?
