“Life-threatening and locally catastrophic”, is how US authorities describe tropical storm Hilary’s progress in the state of California.
On Monday, several floods had paralyzed traffic and caused damage to buildings.
– There are many who have prepared, says Anna Erneholm, resident of Los Angeles.
Tropical Storm Hilary has created mudslides and large floods in the southern parts of the US state of California.
It is the first tropical storm to hit the state in 84 years, and US authorities have already determined that the rainfall from the storm is at a record level.
Highways have turned into rivers filled with mud and debris, making the work of emergency services difficult.
– I have not seen it rain in August, not even a little bit, and I have been here for 20 years. So this is very, very unusual, says Swedish Anna Erneholm, who lives in Los Angeles.
Thousands of households without electricity
The authorities are now working to maintain the power supply in the worst affected areas. Blown down trees, clogged drains and damaged roads have meant that help is delayed for the around 18,000 households that have lost power.
– It is unusual for tropical storms to go directly over California, the last time it happened was in September 1939, says Linda Eriksson, meteorologist.
Early Monday morning, the epicenter of the storm was over Nevada. But the situation in Southern California is expected to continue to worsen as more rain is expected. Hilary is also believed to create thunder and strong winds during the night to Tuesday Swedish time.
– It will move further north over the western parts of the United States while slowing down. We have not yet received any summarizing statistics on how much rain it has given, but in the forecast it pointed towards 250 millimeters in some places, says Linda Eriksson.
In the worst-affected rain area, close to 18 cm of rain fell, which is the highest daily figure ever recorded at the site. In some desert areas, more rain fell in a few hours, than half of what usually falls in a year.
Evacuation orders have been issued for the San Bernardino and Riverside areas – and also in Orange County, residents have been notified that evacuation may be required.