It’s not unusual to hear about a hurricane coming for Walt Disney World, but something strange has happened. Hurricane Hilary has strengthened off the west coast and is expected to hit Disneyland and Southern California either Sunday or Monday. It is infrequent for a hurricane or a tropical storm to hit the state.
Hilary had what the National Hurricane Center calls a “rapid intensification,” meaning the average wind speed increased by more than 35 miles per hour within 24 hours. Hilary officially became a category one hurricane on Thursday morning. Hilary is located approximately 530 miles south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
The Hurricane is expected to hit the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico on Sunday morning with wind speeds of up to 100 miles an hour. Once it hits the cold waters off the coast of California, the wind speeds are expected to diminish, but it should still hit Southern California with wind speeds of 60 miles an hour.
The area around Anaheim and the Disneyland Resort expects to see between 3-7 inches of rain over 36 hours, with some isolated areas getting up to 8-10 inches. The massive amount of rain in a short period could flood Disneyland and the surrounding area.
The National Hurricane Center said in a release:
Rainfall impacts from Hilary within the Southwestern United States are expected to peak this weekend into Monday. Flash, urban, and arroyo flooding is possible with the potential for significant impacts. Heavy rainfall from Hillary may produce flash floods and landslides.
How Rare is a California Hurricane?
Unlike Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Disneyland has never seen a hurricane or a tropical storm. In recorded weather history, California only has two tropical storms that have hit the state.
According to Fox Weather, California has three unfavorable conditions that keep hurricanes from forming on the west coast: cold water, cold currents, and unfavorable winds.
The last Hurricane to hit the state was in 1939. When it finally came ashore near Los Angeles, it was downgraded to a tropical storm, leaving 5.42 inches of rain and killing 93 people. The floods and mudslides caused $2 million in damage.
Before that, the only Hurricane to come ashore in California was San Diego in 1858.
Because tropical storms and Hurricanes are so rare in California, most people are unprepared for the storms. Unlike people on the East Coast, most don’t have generators or a backup water supply.
People in Central Florida also have to beware. Hurricane Season is also picking up with them too. The National Hurricane Center is tracking three areas of disturbance that could cause problems late next week.
So, if traveling to Disneyland, Disney World, or Central Florida Theme Park, always be cautious of Hurricane Season.
