On Sunday, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued an unprecedented tornado warning for Alpine and Descanso amid Tropical Storm Hilary's approach, according to FOX 5 San Diego. The tornado warning was lifted, and no tornado formations were reported, but Hilary continued to leave its mark on the region with heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong wind gusts, as reported by the Times of San Diego.
For the first time in history, a tropical storm warning was issued for San Diego County as Hurricane Hilary was upgraded to a Category 4 hurricane with winds reaching 145 miles per hour off the Mexican coast, according to an East County Magazine report. The hurricane was expected to impact the region as a tropical storm, bringing heavy rain, high winds, flash flooding, and conditions conducive to tornadoes.
San Diego experienced widespread rainfall, with totals ranging from 1.75 inches at San Diego International Airport to 8.5 inches, resulting in severe impacts in some areas, as reported by the Times of San Diego. Flooding was reported along the San Diego River, causing road closures and the closure of the access road from southbound SR-75 to Coronado Cays Boulevard due to flooding. The In-Ko-Pah Mountains on Interstate 8 experienced a rock slide, leading to delays and one-way traffic control with 15-minute intervals.
As Hilary moved out of San Diego on Sunday night, gusty winds and bands of heavy rain continued to drench the region, according to the Times of San Diego. The region was expected to begin drying out today, with light rain showers still possible in the mountains and deserts and drier, warmer weather anticipated for the rest of the week.
