This is spot on. Storms will form in the Pacific, but rarely get beyond a CAT1 storm because of the cold water. And the Alaskan Current kills storms before they hit the US. This year is an El Nino. Pacific waters are unusually warm. There is usually a big high pressure system over the 4 corners that brings monsoon moisture into the SW from the Baja. Many storms hit land in Mexico, get caught in the monsoon flow, and are just large rain events in Arizona and SE California. Hilary is different. It's strong, and looks like it's headed right towards Tijuana and San Diego.
This was from earlier today so not the most recent data. But this guy is great for those who are weather nerds.
Only way down south, off Mexico. By the time you move north to CA, it's more like 60... The fast moving northward motion is the only reason Hillary is proving interesting. As hurricanes go, it will be falling apart before it reaches land, but the moisture will be an issue.
From the San Diego Union-Tribune: "The Navy sent about 10 warships out to sea on Saturday to make it easier to manage and secure vessels that need to stay in port when Hilary slams the region as a tropical storm on Saturday and Sunday. It was the first time the Navy has carried out such an operation in San Diego. The visiting carrier USS Nimitz was among the first to leave, moving out of San Diego Bay at 9:30 a.m. Such vessels as the destroyers Halsey and Spruance followed. “In order to ensure the safety of our Sailors and ships, we are taking all necessary measures to mitigate potential damage to infrastructure and Third Fleet vessels caused by the storm,” Vice Adm. Michael Boyle, commander of U.S. Third Fleet, said in a statement. “Safety remains our top priority, and putting all capable ships to sea makes it easier for us to manage the situation ashore.” San Diego is home to more than 50 surface ships, including three aircraft carriers, as well as four nuclear-powered submarines."
I'm a nerd for such things, but I do love seeing the fleet when you're in San diego. I don't know how it is in other ports, but you're in a major US city and the naval station is easily visible from any downtown high-rise. We took a cruise out of there in December and it was just so cool
San Diego is great in that regard. Norfolk, VA (largest naval base in the world) has a ton of ships. Looks cool, but nothing like SD's prettiness. I remember when I had to report to Norfolk. First time being on a navy base that wasn't bootcamp and was in awe of all the ships. BTW, things are starting to get serious here in SoCal. My area of town got an evacuation warning today but it seems that no one from my hood will be leaving. Our house is in the mountain foothills, but really close to the mountain wash/creeks and we're in a burn scar from a 2019 wildfire. Concerned about our neighbors down the hill .25mi where there are houses right near the creeks and in old washes (don't understand that but anyway), which flooded this past winter. Wife and I are most concerned about our solar power system. Twice in two years, atmospheric river storms blew off some panels off. Had to fight with the company to get them replaced. Took some serious battling.
I hear you. A lot of folk in CA near me don't quite grasp the potential danger. Or maybe they do but they're hardened from all the wildfires & earthquakes
