California - In response to the imminent threat of Hurricane Hilary, Governor Gavin Newsom of California has taken decisive action by declaring a state of emergency for a significant portion of Southern California. This move aims to enhance the state's ability to effectively respond to and recover from the impending storm's anticipated impact. As Hurricane Hilary draws closer, California is swiftly mobilizing its resources and urging residents to prioritize safety precautions.

The emergency proclamation highlights that the National Hurricane Center has classified Hurricane Hilary as a Category 2 storm. Projections indicate that this storm is poised to bring "catastrophic and life-threatening flooding" to both Baja California and the Southwestern United States, which encompasses Southern California. Notably, the most intense effects of the storm, characterized by heavy rainfall and powerful winds, are projected to commence on Sunday, August 20, and continue through Monday, August 21.

Under Governor Newsom's directives, a deployment of over 7,500 personnel has been coordinated to the areas facing potential impact. These efforts are aimed at assisting local communities in ensuring the safety and well-being of their residents in the face of Hurricane Hilary. Governor Newsom officially signed the emergency proclamation in San Diego, where he interacted with troops from the California National Guard.

Governor Newsom has been actively engaged with first responders, local officials, and federal counterparts, underlining the collaborative approach being undertaken to address this crisis.

Governor Newsom remarked, "California has thousands of individuals working collaboratively with federal and local teams on the ground to provide communities in the path of Hurricane Hilary with resources, equipment, and expertise. We are harnessing the collective strength of the entire government as we brace for and respond to this unprecedented storm."

As reports indicate, Hurricane Hilary is expected to weaken into a tropical storm by the time it reaches Southern California. If this scenario unfolds, it will mark the first instance of a tropical storm hitting the state in over eight decades.

President Joe Biden announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has strategically positioned personnel and resources in the region. He urged all individuals in the storm's path to take necessary precautions and heed the guidance provided by state and local authorities.

Meanwhile, certain parts of Mexico are under a tropical storm watch, prompting the government to mobilize 18,000 soldiers for potential rescue missions and assistance efforts. As the region braces for the impact of Hurricane Hilary, both California and its neighboring areas are actively preparing to minimize the potential consequences and prioritize the safety of their citizens.