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Tropical Storm Hilary has left a trail of flooding, heavy rainfall, and strong gusts across the western United States and parts of Mexico. The storm transformed streets into torrents, necessitating evacuations and rescue operations for affected residents. Despite weakening into a post-tropical cyclone, Hilary continued to bring more rain, prompting officials to remain vigilant as they cleaned up the aftermath. Making landfall in Southern California as the state’s first tropical storm since 1997, Hilary proceeded to Nevada, marking its first-ever recorded tropical storm in the region.

The storm’s impact was felt through power outages, flooding, and disrupted travel routes. Hilary broke multiple rainfall records in various areas: Palm Springs received nearly a year’s worth of rain within 24 hours, while Death Valley and other locales also experienced significant downpours. In Nevada, Hilary set a new historical rainfall record, releasing 9.20 inches of rain on Lee Canyon. It also made history as the rainiest tropical system in the histories of Idaho, Oregon, and Montana.

As the storm battered parts of the West, officials urged residents to exercise caution and take safety measures. Flash flooding, mudslides, and fallen trees and wires were reported in several regions. Despite the challenges, emergency response teams worked tirelessly to rescue those stranded by the storm’s impact. Southern California’s schools, including the second-largest school district in the nation, closed temporarily to ensure students’ safety.

Hilary’s forceful impact and potential for flooding prompted multiple states to remain under flood watches, while efforts to mitigate the storm’s effects and ensure safety continue. Amidst the uncertainty, communities affected by Hilary are relying on well-coordinated response efforts to navigate the aftermath and safeguard their residents.