Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office urged all residents of Catalina Island to evacuate in anticipation of rough seas and high winds that could pose grave dangers.
Meanwhile, the Air Force Reserve’s “Hurricane Hunters,” operating under the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi, is flying reconnaissance flights into Hurricane Hilary.
Their objective is to gather invaluable weather data to enhance the National Hurricane Center’s (NHC) forecasting accuracy, contributing to the overall preparedness and safety of the region.
“By flying into the storm, crews are able to locate the low-pressure center of the storm and collect data that assists with movement and intensity forecasts,” said Lt. Col. Steve Burton, 53rd WRS mission commander for the weather deployment.
“The data we collect can improve a forecast by anywhere from 15-25%.”
Flash Flood Warnings and road closings have already started. California Department of Transportation took the precaution of shutting down Highway 98 in Ocotillo, near San Diego, due to flooding and debris rendering the road impassable.
