“California’s Hurricane Threat: Understanding the Risks and Preparedness”
As we reflect on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene—lives lost and properties destroyed—we’re left pondering how we would respond if a storm of that magnitude were to reach California.
While Golden State residents are well-versed in preparing for earthquakes and wildfires, hurricanes are less familiar territory. Most Californians know how to stay alert for seismic activity using apps like MyShake, which provides warnings seconds before the shaking starts. In the case of wildfires, many utilize Watch Duty to receive real-time updates about fires, evacuation alerts, and safe zones.
But what if a hurricane were to threaten our shores? History indicates that such an event is indeed possible. According to Weather.com, while tropical moisture is rare in California, the question of whether a hurricane could make landfall on the West Coast has been raised by many.
Traditionally, Californians don’t consider extreme storms a significant threat, but perhaps it’s time to reassess that perspective. If a hurricane were to strike, it would most likely be in Southern California. Meteorologist Chris Dolce notes, “Southern California is the only part of the Pacific coastline in the Lower 48 states that could experience tropical storm or hurricane landfall from the eastern Pacific.”
Remarkably, California has witnessed such events before. A tropical storm hit Long Beach in 1939, and in 1858, a hurricane caused widespread damage in San Diego. More recently, Tropical Storm Hilary swept through California in 2023, bringing devastating floods, heavy rainfall, and strong winds, leading to significant damage, school closures, flight cancellations, and evacuation orders.
Despite these occurrences, Dolce emphasizes that hurricanes remain unlikely for our region. For a hurricane to maintain its strength over the cold waters of the Pacific, it must travel quickly. While it has happened before, it hasn’t occurred in the past 150 years.
As winter approaches, let’s not underestimate the potential risks posed by tropical storm systems. NASA reminds us that these can be dangerous and pose threats to life and property.
