Flooding from Tropical Storm Hilary traps people in their homes south of Palm Springs as deluge spreads to Nevada

Palm Springs has been totally cut off with some people trapped in their homes and 911 completely down in the area after Tropical Storm Hilary drenched Southern California.

Residents of Cathedral City, immediately south of Palm Springs, experienced a ‘debris flow’ with significant amounts of mud and sand trapping them in their homes.

Firefighters will be going ‘house-to-house’ to make sure that people who want to get out can leave, fire chief Michael Contreras told CNN. 

‘Right now, they are trapped for all intents and purposes. If you don’t need to get out, give us time to clear the streets before attempting to leave,’ he said. 

Now there are fears that Burning Man could be washed out as the deserts of Nevada are pounded by the storm. Hilary crossed into Nevada at 5am ET Monday and the storm will cross into Idaho and Montana in the early hours of Tuesday.

Southern California was battered on Sunday and into the early hours of Monday morning with the city of Palm Springs receiving more than half a year’s worth of rain in just a few hours. Residents have been warned that 911 lines are down and the mayor admitted, ‘There’s no way in or out.’

Around 100 miles west, footage showed Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles surrounded by a moat of rainwater.

Dodger Stadium floods Sunday evening as the eye of the storm blew through Los Angeles

PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA: Roads and sidewalks were totally submerged after the deluge

Hilary crossed into Nevada at 5am ET Monday and the weather system will head into Idaho and Montana in the early hours of Tuesday

• In Palm Springs and Cathedral City, authorities are going door-to-door to see if people who are stuck in their homes need assistance 
• Despite massive flooding in LA and surrounding areas, no storm-related deaths have yet been reported 
• Floods are now impacting roads in Nevada, where the storm landed early this morning. Flooding has hit roads and is potentially jeopardizing Burning Man

Schools across SoCal and Nevada were shuttered on Monday and 800 flights were cancelled. Travelers are warned of travel disruption at San Diego International Airport, Nevada’s Harry Reid and Phoenix’s Sky Harbor. 

Hilary is expected to clear out later on Monday and into Tuesday, though moisture from the storm in some parts is expected to linger into Wednesday and Thursday. 

‘Today, I am declaring a state of emergency due to the imminent impact of Hurricane Hilary across the state,’ Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo said over the weekend. 

‘My administration will continue to work diligently with state, federal, tribal, and local partners in preparation and response to this severe weather event.’

‘Hurricane Hilary represents a serious threat to our communities, and once again, I implore all Nevadans to prepare for flooding, remain vigilant, and to follow all guidance from state and local emergency officials.’

Lombardo additionally deployed 100 national guardsmen to southern Nevada last Friday, in preparation for the storm. 

Images Monday morning coming out of Black Rock City, Nevada show flooding that has moved up the California coast and into the neighboring state. 

Many airlines waived change fees for flights scheduled through Monday to or from Los Cabos and a handful of Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona airports. 

The storm has, at this point, been downgraded to a post-tropical storm, though experts continue to warn that Hilary is carrying heavy rains and high winds. 

Panicking Californians were trapped in cars and climbed trees in bid to escape dangerous floodwaters and mudslides as Tropical Storm Hilary battered the state bringing down bridges and powerlines and leaving vehicles stranded on flooded roads.

The first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years brought havoc across the state, leaving 25million people under flood warnings with significant fears of devastating destruction.

Mountain and desert areas predicted to get 5 to 10 inches of rain today, as much as the deserts typically see in a year, while yesterday Ventura county saw two inches of rain fall within two hours.

A large eucalyptus tree branch rests on cars after falling overnight as tropical storm Hilary moved through the area on August 21, 2023 in Sun Valley, California

A toppled tree from the tropical storm covers a car in Los Angeles on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. Images have begun to make the full extent of the storm’s damage clear

BURNING MAN, NEVADA: Footage showed rains hitting the Burning Man venue in Black Rock City, Nevada

Rancho Mirage, California, where a land and debris slide is blocking a road

A tow truck driver attempts to pull a stranded car out of floodwaters on the Golden State Freeway as tropical storm Hilary moves through the area on August 20, 2023 in Sun Valley, California

Palm Springs: a truck drives through a flooded intersection as Tropical Storm Hilary battered the desert town on Sunday

Flood watches in the Southwest as Hilary continues to batter desert areas. Early Monday the storm will move into Nevada, where a state of emergency has been declared

Gushing flood water and debris are seen during Tropical Storm Hilary, in Angeles National Forest, California, U.S. August 20

INDIO, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 21: In an aerial view, a Jeep remains stuck in mud off a road that was hit by a flash flood in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Hilary on Monday

A television reporter stands in a flooded road after the passing of Tropical Storm Hilary on Monday

A view of gushing flood water and a damaged road during Tropical Storm Hilary in Oak Glen, California, Sunday

Palm Springs received more than half a year’s worth of rain in just a few hours. 

California Governor Gavin Newsom – who has been touring the state as the storm wreaks havoc – said Palm Springs was dry when he left on Sunday, but just an hour later it had experienced ‘the most significant rainfall over a 60-minute period any time in the history of Palm Springs.’  

Residents of the desert town were also warned that 911 lines are down due to flood damage. They are advised to call (760) 327-1441 for any police or fire related matter or text 911. 

‘There’s no way in or out of Palm Springs and that’s the case for the majority of the Coachella valley. We’re all stuck. Our major freeway, I-10, is also closed in both directions. This is a very extreme situation at the moment,’ said Palm Springs Mayor Grace Garner early Monday. 

There are, so far, no reported fatalities out of Palm Springs. 

Hilary is now moving northwards and will batter Nevada later today. It would be the first time the state is hit with a tropical storm and flood warnings have been put in place. 

Gusts of 35 mph and continual downpours brought down power lines and flooded roads trapping dozens of motorists in their vehicles.

Further destruction is expected across parts of Oregon and Idaho tomorrow morning, where residents have been warned of catastrophic flooding.

A road is washed out as Tropical Storm Hilary heads north into Palm Springs, California

Cars are entirely submerged beside palm trees blowing in the wind i Southern California as Hilary took its toll over the weekend

Junior lifeguards line up for a photo outside their headquarters in Long Beach as Tropical Storm Hilary makes its way through Southern California

A view shows flood water moving across the road during Tropical Storm Hilary, in Palm Springs, California

Yesterday afternoon Ventura County was also struck by a 5.1 magnitude earthquake which caused four aftershocks in the area – with terrifying footage showing drinkers left shaken in an Ojai bar.

The aftershocks continued well into yesterday evening, and at least five more earthquakes hit the area overnight. 

The National Weather Service continued to warn of life-threatening flooding from heavy rain in western LA County and eastern Ventura County last night. 

The warnings have extended into today with the service saying: ‘Areas that normally do not experience flash flooding will flood. Lives and property are in great danger through Monday.’ 

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency last night for much of Southern California, with flash flood warnings until at least 3 am today in an area more accustomed to drought.

The storm passed northward through Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, where Pacific hurricanes are expected. It killed at least one person in Mexico on Saturday amid reports of flash flooding in the peninsula, sweeping away some roads.

Images on social media showed raging torrents gushing down city streets that turned into rivers.

It crossed the border Sunday afternoon, hitting San Diego county with its first tropical storm ever recorded and becoming the first to pelt Los Angeles county since 1939, triggering serious flooding.

Following safety fears, schools across LA, Palm Springs and San Diego have been closed until further notice and residents are urged to take extra caution. 

Shocking footage of cars swallowed by flood waters in Palm Springs on Sunday 

A road cracked in Santa Clarita on Sunday after the area endured an earthquake and flooding

A view of gushing flood water and debris during Tropical Storm Hilary in Oak Glen, Californi

Flash floods in San Bernardino County forced residents of Seven Oaks to evacuate their homes and climb trees in a desperate attempt not to be swept away.

According to local reports fire crews reported people stuck in water up to their waists while others were trapped in their houses and needed to be lifted out from the roof as torrents of water, mud, rock and trees swept across the area. 

By Sunday evening, the eye of the storm was hovering over Dodger’s stadium in LA – the exterior was entirely flooded, according to dramatic footage. 

Meanwhile in Cathedral City, a woman was stranded for hours in her vehicle after rescuers were unable to reach her due to catastrophic flooding and even Death Valley National Park – often one of the hottest and driest places on earth – has been closed due to flooding.

A usually dry section of the Whitewater River floods a road caused by Tropical Storm Hilary in the deserts of Southern California yesterday evening

Motorists deal with a flooded road and stuck vehicles near Palm Springs during heavy rains from Tropical Storm Hilary 

Pictured is a road damaged by a flash flood from Tropical Storm Hilary in the deserts of Southern California yesterday

Pictured is a satellite image of Hilary above California yesterday, which has bared the brunt of the tropical storm

Hilary brought high-speed winds and torrential rainfall to California overnight, with Nevada expected to be hit today 

Falling boulders blocked part of the I-8 near San Diego on Sunday 

Tropical Storm Hilary has triggered devastating mudslides across Southern California roadways. 

A mudslide in Palmdale closed several lanes of the 14 Freeway on Sunday, with roads near Ocotillo and part of the I-8 near San Diego also experiencing blockages. 

Crews worked to clear the slides but residents were urged not to undertake unnecessary travel by the California Transportation Department. 

Falling boulders also blocked a road near Ocotillo, and part of the I-8 near San Diego. 

The storm is proving a nightmare for the Coachella Valley as well as for other desert communities and Southern California’s inland mountain ranges.

The valley has been inundated with flash floods, with multiple roads closed off after vehicles were reportedly stuck in gushing water. 

In Inyo County residents have been told to evacuate for the Oak Creek/Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery area in Independence due to mudslide concerns. The county’s Sheriff’s Office said: ‘An evacuation Center is in place at the Owens Valley High School Multi-Purpose Room in Independence. 

‘An Evacuation Warning has been issued for the Lone Pine Reservation WEST of HWY 395 due to concerns of heavy debris and flooding from Lone Pine Creek. Residents and visitors are advised to evacuate and avoid the area until the storm passes.’

The Los Angeles River swells with rushing water near Griffith Park in Los Angeles on Sunday

A power line pole is replaced on the East Side of Long Beach, California, as Tropical Storm Hilary raged on 

Floodwaters sweep through Sheep Canyon, Wrightwood, California 

A city employee retrieves a propane tank from a flooded bridge as tropical storm Hilary makes landfall in Rancho Mirage, California 

Vehicles cross over a flood control basin that has almost reached the street in Palm Desert

The area recorded 2.06 inches of rain on Sunday, a record for the August date, a National Weather Service forecaster said.

Shocking footage emerged throughout Sunday of cars, trucks and ambulances swallowed by flood waters in Palm Springs.

The Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage in Palm Springs flooded on Sunday as a result of the record rain. 

‘A pond next to Eisenhower hospital in Rancho Mirage overflowed from heavy rains, sending water pouring into the ER’ NBC reported alongside footage  of flooded corridors. 

‘Crews now working to clean up and sandbag to keep more water out as the rain picks back up’ the outlet added. 

Also last night a desperate rescue mission was launched after a person was reportedly swept away in the Santa Clara River in Ventura County. A helicopter was seen scouring the area and searchers were also on the ground. It is currently unclear if the person was found. 

Two others were rescued by first responders, Ventura County Fire Department said.

‘FFs have searched the Santa Clara River and determined there to not be any more people in the river at this location. All crews are clearing the scene. These locations are dangerous, please stay out river bottoms and canals.’ 

The Los Angeles River was turned from its usual small stream into a torrent of water that filled its banks

An ambulance drives through a flooded street in Palm Springs, California as Tropical Storm Hilary approached on Sunday 

Death Valley National Park was closed due to flooding as a result of the downpour brought by Tropical Storm Hilary. 

The park released shocking footage of streams coursing through its arid land on Sunday. 

The rocky desert landscape near Zabriskie Point was overcome with muddy floodwaters. 

Officials for the national park also warned the situation was likely to get worse.

‘This video was taken near Zabriskie Point earlier this morning. Hurricane Hilary is forecasted to cause heavy rain for the next several days, so conditions are expected to worsen,’ the park wrote on Facebook.

Tropical Storm Hilary continued its path of devastation through Southern California on Sunday night 

Death Valley National Park has closed due to flooding as a result of the downpour brought by Tropical Storm Hilary

Also on Sunday California was hit by a 5.1 magnitude earthquake as Tropical Storm Hilary made landfall in LA and San Diego with 80mph winds.

The quake centered in Ventura County was felt across parts of Southern California on Sunday afternoon. 

The center is reported to have been four miles southeast of Ojai, about 80 miles northwest of Los Angeles. 

Shaking was reported in Malibu, Porter Ranch, parts of Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach and other locations.

Shocking footage shows how the quake rocked diners at a restaurant in Ojai California. 

Customers looked stunned by the shaking, causing their cutlery and plates to fall around before fleeing out the establishments doors. 

So far there have been no reports of major damage but the Los Angeles Fire Department has placed all stations under earthquake response and staff were asked to conduct surveys in their districts to assess any damage. 

A tornado warning has also been issued for San Diego and the surrounding Alpine and Descanso areas.  

The National Weather Service released the warning at 3:39 p.m. on Sunday local time, and will last until 4pm. 

The United States Geological Survey, which reports and records earthquakes, said there were at least four aftershocks of magnitude-3.0 or greater. 

Rivers across California are experiencing heightened volumes pushing up their height and increasing the likelihood of flooding 

The quake centered in Ventura County was felt across parts of Southern California on Sunday afternoon

It comes as Tropical Storm Hilary makes landfall in Southern California moving up from Mexico at speeds of 25mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. 

Residents are contending with winds of 65mph and the expectation of torrential rain, that may bring up to ten inches in a matter of hours in some places. 

On Saturday one person died after their vehicle was swept away near Santa Rosalía because of catastrophic flooding that swallowed parts of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. 

Rescue workers managed to save four other people who were also swept away in the overflowing stream, said Edith Aguilar Villavicencio, the mayor of Mulege township.

Hilary had maximum sustained winds of 70 mph and was moving northwest at 25 mph as it swept through the cities of Ensenada and Tijuana. 

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell told CBS during an interview on Sunday that residents can expect ‘significant impact.’

People play with a drainage hose on the beach in Seal Beach, California

A worker drags caution tape to block off Pico Boulevard in Los Angeles after a tree fell on Sunday

Though the total amount of rain appears unlikely to exceed that of similar storms seen on the East Coast, people should not downplay the threat, Criswell added.

‘People really need to take this storm in California serious,’ she reiterated on ABC. 

Panicked stockpiling and chilling images of empty streets have given a small glimpse into things to come as residents batten down the hatches in preparation for the treacherous weather.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency on Saturday for a large swathe of his constituency adding: ‘We’re mobilizing all of government as we prepare and respond to this unprecedented storm.’

While a majority of people took shelter from the storm, others braved wet conditions to bask in the precursor to the storm which had grown to the size of the state of Arizona.

A few stragglers could be seen in rain jackets holding umbrellas as angry seas lashed at a pier in Imperial Beach, while some walked along the coastline while they still could. 

The storm is now expected to batter Nevada and the high terrain in Sierra, with further predictions of flash flooding. 

Gusts of up to 70mph are also predicted in these areas as Hilary continues to move northwards, with Oregon and Idaho expected to be battered tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service. 

La Jolla in San Diego prepared for the landfall of Storm Hilary with sand bags around proprieties on Sunday afternoon 

Chilling images of empty streets have given a small glimpse into things to come as residents batten down the hatches in preparation for the treacherous weather

A worker walks near a flooded tunnel as Tropical Storm Hilary hits Baja California state, in Mexicali, Mexico, August 20, 

A flooded homeless encampment is seen along California Route 14 in Palmdale, as a tropical storm moves into the area, Sunday

In a statement yesterday President Biden urged residents to take the storm ‘seriously’ and not take any risks.

‘I continue to be briefed on our preparedness efforts, and the storm’s potential impact — including flooding.

‘My Administration stands ready to provide additional assistance as requested. I urge people to take this storm seriously, and listen to state and local officials,’ he said.

Surfers relished the staggering walls of oceans being built on the coastline with thrill seekers attempting to make the most of the huge swells at Dana Point – despite beaches being closed in the region.

California has temporarily closed all state beaches in Orange and San Diego Counties. 

Shelves at grocery stores lay bare the urgency from a community unfamiliar with such storms as stores were left gutted.

Only tinned fish and in some cases plain white bread available at traditionally stocked up stores, with health-crazed Angelinos snapping up all the healthier wholemeal alternatives.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has armed itself with a full staff and crews ready to work on restoring power and clearing downed trees or power lines, the utility said in a statement.

A mailbox stands on a flooded residential street in Palmdale, California as Hilary hit on Sunday 

A storm drain overflows onto Santa Monica Beach due to Tropical Storm Hilary on August 20

A collapsed light pole is pictured as Tropical Storm Hilary hits Baja California state, Mexico 

A broken tree limb partially blocks a road as Tropical Storm Hilary moves through the area  in Cathedral City 

Hilary threatens southern California with treacherous conditions

While a majority of people took shelter from the storm, others braved wet conditions to bask in the precursor to the storm which had grown to the size of the state of Arizona

A person in rain gear looks through the sand at the beach in Carlsbad, California on Sunday 

The city’s reservoirs have ‘sufficient capacity’ to handle any increased runoff due to potential flooding, it added.

Electricity utility Southern California Edison, which serves more than 15 million people in the region, said Hilary is on track to impact much of its service area.

The company said it is preparing to respond to outages but urged residents to gather supplies including flashlights, external battery chargers and ice chests.

Forecasters warned that there could be historic flood impacts, especially for San Bernardino and Inyo counties, with Death Valley and Morongo Basin expected to see the most major flooding.

Roads could be closed in Death Valley and Highway 62 according to the Los Angeles Times.

It said high risk areas in LA County include the San Gabriel Mountains, the Antelope Valley – with rains triggering landslides, debris flow, mud flows and rock slides in those parts.

Peak wind gusts could hit as high as 81 mph at Joshua Tree National Park and 67 mph in Wrightwood.

In Anaheim peak gusts could hit 62 mph, 60 mph in Irvine, 58 in Palm Springs and Ontario, 54 in Big Bear Lake, 52 in Riverside, 46 in San Clemente, 43 in San Diego and 41 in San Bernardino.

In Los Angeles County, possible peak wind gusts could be 44 mph in Santa Clarita and Lancaster, 40 in Northridge and Westlake Village, 35 in Avalon on Catalina Island, 32 in Pomona, 31 in Pasadena, 30 in Long Beach, 29 in downtown Los Angeles and 26 in Redondo Beach.