Sunday, 7 p.m. All school districts in the Santa Clarita Valley are set to close on Monday, as confirmed by a statement from Mike Kuhlman, the superintendent of the William S. Hart Union High School District.
The William S. Hart Union High School District, along with the Castaic Union School District, Newhall School District, Saugus Union School District, and Sulphur Springs Union School District, have followed the lead of the Los Angeles Unified School District in cancelling classes due to Tropical Storm Hilary.
With the storm’s core still en route, it remains uncertain whether significant storm-related challenges will arise tomorrow morning. Superintendent Kuhlman’s statement underscored the collective decision to utilize the day for facility assessment and to strategize a secure resumption of instruction on Tuesday.
The statement further emphasized the cancellation of classes due to concerns for the safety of students and staff who might have to travel or commute. The risk of electrical outages and instances of water intrusion within some facilities was also acknowledged.
“I acknowledge the repercussions of school closures on families. While the timing of this notice may pose difficulties, I am confident you recognize that our paramount priority is the well-being of our students and staff,” Superintendent Kuhlman’s statement articulated. He advised certificated and classified staff to remain at home, awaiting further instructions from their supervisors. Wishing everyone safety and dryness during this period, he looked forward to the resumption of regular classes on Tuesday.
Sunday, 5 p.m. The National Weather Service’s projections point to continued rain into Monday, possibly extending through Monday evening.
This evening, there is a likelihood of thunderstorms, although a precise timing is unavailable. Beginning this evening, northeast winds are anticipated to blow at speeds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph.
The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s data reveals a shift in Tropical Storm Hilary’s trajectory, now veering eastward. The storm’s center is forecasted to pass over Victorville and subsequently proceed toward Death Valley.
Advancing at 23 mph towards the north, the storm’s center is approximated to position itself between Palomar Mountain and Palm Desert, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Notably, the National Weather Service reported that Newhall Pass has witnessed 0.28 inches of rainfall within the past hour, 0.83 inches within the past three hours, 2.18 inches within the past six hours, and a cumulative 3.17 inches within the past 24 hours.
Sunday, 3 p.m. Reports from the city’s news agencies confirm that Tropical Storm Hilary is now within 100 miles of San Diego. The storm’s arrival is accompanied by vigorous winds and heavy rainfall.
Within the last hour, Newhall Pass received 0.15 inches of rainfall, with 0.92 inches recorded in the preceding three hours, 2.35 inches within the past six hours, and 2.49 inches within the last 24 hours.
As of now, no evacuation directives, significant flooding, or road closures have been reported.
Sunday, 1 p.m.: The latest estimates from the National Weather Service indicate that over the past six hours, the Newhall Pass has experienced more than 2 inches of rainfall. Within the previous three hours, a measure of 1.58 inches was recorded, with slightly over a half-inch observed in the last hour.
Sunday, 11 a.m.: By around 8 a.m. on Sunday, the northern bands of Tropical Storm Hilary have reached the Santa Clarita Valley.
Although no significant flooding, severe accidents, or major debris flows have been reported up to the present moment, officials caution that the storm’s intensity will escalate throughout the day.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a directive for Southern California residents to brace for heightened storm conditions if not already prepared. FEMA predicts that the storm will trigger catastrophic flooding across portions of Southern California.
FEMA’s advisory message reads, “Focus should not be solely on the precise path of the hurricane. Hurricanes are extensive systems, and their size, intensity, speed, and direction can alter rapidly. Additionally, regions distant from the hurricane’s center can experience impacts such as flooding and strong winds. As the hurricane advances inland, residents and visitors within its anticipated path should monitor local news for updates and follow directions issued by local authorities, including adhering to evacuation orders.”
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the SCV, scheduled to remain in effect until 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. This warning is supplementary to the existing flood watch, which will persist until 10 a.m. on Monday. Additionally, a flood advisory is in place until 8 p.m. on Sunday, alongside a tropical storm warning.
For the most current evacuation advisories, refer to: https://lacounty.gov/emergency/
FEMA offers the following recommendations for both during and after the storm:
During an impact:
- If local authorities mandate an evacuation, comply promptly. Remember to bring your pets.
- Flooding is the primary threat to life and property during a tropical storm, resulting in significant risks of drowning. It can transpire before, during, or after the storm’s center traverses an area. Be alert: Flooding might swiftly block transportation routes.
- Avoid driving or walking through flooded areas, as even minimal water can displace people and vehicles. If encountering a flooded roadway, turn back to safety.
- Steer clear of roads. Emergency personnel may be engaged in assisting individuals in inundated zones or clearing debris. Help their efforts by avoiding the roads.
After the storm:
- Refrain from approaching downed power or utility lines, which could carry fatal voltage. Promptly report such incidents to your utility provider.
- Your National Flood Insurance Program policy encompasses certain actions aimed at minimizing home and property damage before a flood.
This report will undergo continuous updates throughout the day. It is a developing news story that will expand with additional information.