The Morongo Basin is bracing for extreme weather as Hurricane Hilary moves north and east up from Baja California.
Hurricane Hilary, currently considered a Category 4 storm, is now expected to make landfall in Mexico some time today – and head northeast towards our areas and the greater Mojave Desert, Las Vegas, and Colorado River Valley areas. Hurricane conditions are not expected in California, as the storm’s intensity will diminish as it moves north, but the weather will be extreme and potentially dangerous.
The National Weather service has issued a flash flood watch for our area, which goes into effect tomorrow morning (August 19) and remains in place until Monday afternoon (August 21). Some predictions suggest that our area may receive up to seven inches of rain over the next few days.
The National Weather Service said, “To say this is an unusual weather pattern would be a huge understatement.”
Today (August 18), expect shower and thunderstorm activity and windy conditions to steadily increase throughout the weekend, peaking on Sunday, where there is currently a 100 percent chance of precipitation. The Hurricane is expected to be downgraded to a “Tropical Depression” by Monday.
Morongo Basin residents are asked to avoid any unnecessary travel this weekend, and those considering a visit to our area should come at another time.
The Town of Yucca Valley is providing free sand bags to residents concerned about rushing water.
Drivers should avoid major wash channels when flowing water is present. Remember to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”.
Sandbags are available for residents to pick up at the following locations:
- Town’s Public Works Facility, located at 58928 Business Center Drive, Yucca Valley (sand available too) – limit of 20 per household.
- Fire Station #41, located at 57201 Twentynine Palms Hwy., Yucca Valley – limit of 10 per household.
- Fire Station #42, located at 58612 Aberdeen Drive, Yucca Valley – limit of 10 per household.
- Fire Station #36, located at 6715 Park Blvd., Joshua Tree – limit of 10 per household.
