Hurricane Hilary expected to weaken to tropical storm before crossing into California

Hurricane Hilary is expected to weaken to a tropical storm before crossing into California, following its expected landfall in Baja on Sunday.

The storm is heading toward Southern California where it is forecast to bring heavy rain, flash flooding, mudslides and gusty winds.

The greater Southwest area, including Las Vegas, could also see flash flooding from this very rare event.

PHOTO: A weather map shows rainfall expected after Hurricane Hilary becomes a Tropical storm for the south-west coast of the U.S., Aug. 18, 2023. (ABC News)
PHOTO: A weather map shows rainfall expected after Hurricane Hilary becomes a Tropical storm for the south-west coast of the U.S., Aug. 18, 2023. (ABC News)
PHOTO: A weather map shows storm alerts and flood watches in southern California, Nevada, and western Arizona, Aug. 18, 2023. (ABC News)
PHOTO: A weather map shows storm alerts and flood watches in southern California, Nevada, and western Arizona, Aug. 18, 2023. (ABC News)

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Hilary, now a Category 3 hurricane, is gaining strength in the Pacific Ocean and is expected to become a major Category 4 hurricane by Friday as it tracks along Baja California.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for Cabo San Lucas. Hilary's outer bands could graze the popular Mexican resort town on Saturday but it is not forecast to directly hit Cabo.

As Hilary approaches California, it's expected to weaken to a tropical storm, but is still forecast to bring a significant punch to Southern California and the Southwest.

PHOTO: A weather map shows the path and expecting timing for Hurricane Hilary on the west coast of Mexico, Aug. 18, 2023. (ABC News)
PHOTO: A weather map shows the path and expecting timing for Hurricane Hilary on the west coast of Mexico, Aug. 18, 2023. (ABC News)

Some areas in California's inland desert could see their annual rainfall in just 48 hours.

Hurricane Hilary expected to weaken to tropical storm before crossing into California originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

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