Triple A: Gas prices continue rising

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.09, which is five cents higher than a week ago

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LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices continued rising in the past week and are getting closer to the high price levels of one year ago at this time, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch.

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.09, which is five cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.83, which is one cent higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.17 per gallon, which is four cents higher than last week, 21 cents higher than last month, and 26 cents lower than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.15, which is four cents higher than last week, 23 cents higher than last month, and 24 cents lower than last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.12, which is five cents higher than last week, 19 cents higher than last month, and 46 cents lower than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $5.06, which is five cents higher than last week, 25 cents higher than last month and 23 cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.01 average price is seven cents higher than last week, 16 cents higher than last month, and 57 cents lower than a year ago today.

“After showing a few signs of reversing course downward, Los Angeles wholesale gasoline prices have remained at higher levels along with oil prices worldwide,” said Auto Club spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Although gas prices are not moving up as quickly after topping $5 a gallon, they are still on an upward trend.”

The Auto Club reminds drivers of the following tips to save money on gas:

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Aug. 10, averages are:

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The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.30, which is four cents higher than a week ago

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LOS ANGELES – Pump prices in most Southern California areas are now a dime or more higher than at this time last year and the highest ever for the Labor Day weekend as many people hit the road for their final summer getaways, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch.

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.30, which is four cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.83, which is one cent lower than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.37 per gallon, which is one cent higher than last week, 28 cents higher than last month, and 11 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.37, which is two cents higher than last week, 31 cents higher than last month, and 14 cents higher than last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.30, which is three cents higher than last week, 28 cents higher than last month, and ten cents lower than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $5.27, which is two cents higher than last week, 31 cents higher than last month and 12 cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.18 average price is two cents higher than last week, 25 cents higher than last month, and 15 cents lower than a year ago today.

“Gas prices are now backing off slightly in Southern California, but Los Angeles wholesale gas prices are still at their highest levels since November 2022 and will have to drop significantly to provide enough room for pump prices to drop below $5 a gallon,” said Auto Club spokesperson Doug Shupe. “However, the Auto Club still expects an increase in Labor Day travel over last year because of a four percent increase in overall AAA Travel bookings and a 44 percent increase in international bookings compared to last year’s holiday weekend.”

The Auto Club reminds drivers of the following tips to save money on gas:

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Aug. 31, averages are:

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.26, which is eight cents higher than a week ago

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LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices surpassed their levels from a year ago in many areas, including Los Angeles, San Diego and Riverside but have remained stable for three days in a row, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch.

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $5.26, which is eight cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.84, which is four cents lower than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $5.36 per gallon, which is nine cents higher than last week, 38 cents higher than last month, and four cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $5.35, which is 11 cents higher than last week, 40 cents higher than last month, and seven cents higher than last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5.27, which is eight cents higher than last week, 35 cents higher than last month, and 20 cents lower than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $5.16, which is 11 cents higher than last week, 40 cents higher than last month and five cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $5.16 average price is seven cents higher than last week, 30 cents higher than last month, and 24 cents lower than a year ago today.

“High wholesale prices continue to put upward pressure on pump prices. Fortunately, California refineries didn’t report shutdowns because of last weekend’s storm,” explained Doug Shupe, spokesperson for the Auto Club. “Drivers planning road trips for the upcoming Labor Day weekend can expect gas prices to be similar to last year.”

The Auto Club reminds drivers of the following tips to save money on gas:

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Aug. 24, averages are:

KABC 7 and KTLA 5 have been live updating as residents dig out and debris removal commences. CDC issues warning about floodwaters

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LOS ANGELES – Recovery efforts are now underway across Southern California as the remnants of Tropical Storm Hilary move through Nevada Monday.

From mud and debris flows to cars stuck in flooded roads, the entire region is getting better look at the damage left behind by the first tropical storm to hit the area in 84 years.

KABC 7 and KTLA 5 have been live updating as residents dig out and debris removal commences.

A warning was issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday:

Stay out of floodwater. Floodwater can contain chemicals, sewage, bacteria, debris, and fallen power lines that put you at risk of disease and injury. Learn more about staying safe during a #flood: https://bit.ly/3txtVEp #Hilary

The National Weather Service reported that rainfall totals have reached 13.5 inches in San Bernardino County, and in neighboring Riverside County, the City of Palm Springs saw more than 3 inches, breaking a seasonal record.

Los Angeles County recorded over 7 inches of rain. Downtown L.A. recorded 2.48 inches of rainfall on Sunday, making it the wettest August day ever in that area, according to the National Weather Service.

San Diego saw 1.82 inches of rain, making Sunday the wettest August day on record in the city, according to KABC 7 News. Plus, Escondido and Cuyamaca saw 2.66 inches and 4.11 inches, respectively, marking the wettest month of August for those regions.

For complete live coverage:

The Biden administration is urging Californians to take Tropical Storm Hilary seriously ahead of its expected Sunday evening arrival

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SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY – Governor Gavin Newsom met with communities across Southern California, including the Inland Empire and Desert communities, today as Tropical Storm Hilary made landfall, bringing damaging rain and winds that are likely to last through Monday.

While meeting with local leaders, Governor Newsom expanded the state of emergency to include Mono County, and issued additional emergency orders to give care facilities greater flexibility to ensure that care of residents and patients can continue safely during the storm.

Find the full text of today’s proclamation here.

Among his stops today, Governor Newsom met with Chairman Macarro and other tribal leaders of the Pechanga Band of Indians to discuss storm impacts. He also visited a call center in the Inland Empire run by the TODEC Legal Center that connects communities with the support they need, as well as a nonprofit organization distributing protective gear and resources to farmworkers.

Additionally, the Governor met with Mayor Garner, local officials and emergency personnel in Palm Springs, met with Chairman Milanovich and other tribal leaders from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and visited the San Bernardino County Emergency Operations Center for an update on the latest forecasts.

While surveying ongoing preparations throughout Southern California, Governor Newsom spoke with President Biden.

Governor Newsom also joined leaders in Los Angeles County, including Mayor Bass, LA County Board of Supervisors Chair Hahn, first responders, and emergency personnel responding to the ongoing impact of Tropical Storm Hilary and the 5.0+ earthquake that struck Sunday afternoon.

Yesterday, at a California National Guard facility in San Diego, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for most of southern California ahead of the expected impacts of Tropical Storm Hilary – making additional preparation, response, and recovery efforts available to local, tribal, and state emergency personnel and officials.

HOW CALIFORNIA IS PREPARING & RESPONDING:

State Operations Center Activated: At the direction of Governor Gavin Newsom, the State Operations Center at the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is currently activated 24/7 and the state is closely monitoring impacts from rain, wind, flash flooding, and potential power outages, as well as coordinating across state agencies to provide resources in preparation for other potential impacts – including tornadoes, earthquakes and earthquake aftershocks. Additionally, the state has activated its Medical and Health Coordination Center to coordinate and monitor response efforts and has issued an alert to all health facilities in the state.

Prepositioned and On-The-Ground Resources: The state continues to coordinate the prepositioning of emergency resources across Southern California and the Central Valley in anticipation of ongoing impacts from Tropical Storm Hilary:

Maintaining Roadway Safety: Approximately 2,000 Caltrans maintenance personnel in the region are on 12 hour shifts, 24 hours a day. They are installing pumps in flood-prone areas, positioning equipment on standby, actively responding to ongoing impacts, and monitoring burn scars for potential mudslides, especially in northern Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Caltrans Southern California districts are opening emergency operations centers and are coordinating with city and county emergency operations centers as needed.

Protecting Vulnerable Communities: California is actively monitoring potential impacts to vulnerable communities, including unhoused individuals. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has reached out to local partners and licensed facilities caring for some of the most vulnerable — including individuals with disabilities, older individuals, and unsheltered individuals — to help ensure that people have access to services should they need them. Additionally, the state is working with local officials to ensure mobile home communities are taking appropriate steps to prepare.

Coordinating With Private Sector: California continues to coordinate with major retailers, including Target, Wal-Mart, Lowe’s, CVS Health, and others, as well as grocers to ensure essential supplies are available and emergency contingency plans are activated. Additionally, the state is coordinating with major fuel suppliers, utility providers, and telecommunications companies to determine any needs of support to maintain essential services.

Free Uber Rides to Shelters: CDSS announced a public-private partnership with Uber. Uber has agreed to provide emergency transportation services from locations within the impacted area to open shelter locations (up to $40). To redeem the discount, riders must apply the promo code “Hilary23” in the Wallet section of their Uber app prior to requesting the ride, which is valid for UberX or UberXL. Please note that this service is only available for transportation to open shelter locations. For additional information, please visit the CDSS homepage, www.cdss.ca.gov.

Closing State Parks and Beaches: The state continues monitoring the storm’s impacts on the State Park System and making real-time decisions on closures as needed. Currently, California has 18 partial closures and 23 full closures and has 600 staff on the ground to respond. All state beaches in San Diego and Orange Counties are temporarily closed Sunday and Monday. Additionally, State Parks has proactively canceled reservations at campgrounds in high-risk areas. The public is advised to limit outdoor recreation and stay out of the ocean during the storm.

In an emailed statement the White House noted that this afternoon, President Biden spoke to California Governor Gavin Newsom about the emergency preparedness measures in place and the initial response to Tropical Storm Hilary.

Throughout the weekend, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, FEMA Deputy Assistant Administrator Colt Hagmaier, Marcus Coleman, Director of DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, and Keith Turi, FEMA Office of Response and Recovery Deputy Assistant Administrator, spoke to national broadcast and local TV stations across California, Nevada and Arizona.

Administration officials outlined steps the Administration has taken to prepare and reiterated the importance of listening to local and state officials.

The Biden administration is urging Californians to take Tropical Storm Hilary seriously ahead of its expected Sunday evening arrival. It will be the first tropical storm to hit southern California since 1939, according to the National Weather Service. “People really need to take this storm in California serious,” Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanna Criswell said on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday. “The total rain amounts aren’t like what we see in some of our Atlantic storms and Gulf storms, but it’s going to really be potentially devastating for them in these desert areas.”

The tropical storm expected to produce heavy rainfall Sunday into Monday, bringing the likelihood of destructive flash flooding and mudslides

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OXNARD, Calif. – The National Weather Service Los Angeles Area announced that Hurricane Hilary has officially been downgraded to a tropical storm with maximum winds of 70 mph and gusts up to 85 mph expected.

As of 8 a.m. Pacific time, Hilary was located about 220 miles (350 kilometers) south-southeast of San Diego, the National Hurricane Center reported. Hilary had maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 kph) and was moving northwest at 25 mph (41 kph).

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged residents to stay safe, stay home and stay informed so that crews can respond to emergencies as quickly and safely as possible.

“Our primary focus is to protect the life and property of Angelenos, and second, we need to keep our city workers safe,” Bass said at Sunday morning’s press conference. “Third, we must ensure that city services are operating as best as possible given the circumstances.”

The center of Tropical Storm Hilary is currently located off the coast of Baja California and is spreading rainfall into Southern California. This image shows the track history of Tropical Cyclone Hilary and the forecast track as it continues its northward progression. pic.twitter.com/MjrDo7eRYn

Tropical Storm Hilary is expected to produce heavy rainfall in Southern California Sunday into Monday, bringing the likelihood of destructive flash flooding and mudslides. Rain totals will range from 2 to 10 inches. Strong wind gusts are also expected.

KTLA reported rain has begun falling across the entire region. Watch live Hilary radar

LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho will announce whether schools in the district will be open on Monday later in the day on Sunday, Mayor Bass said.

Fire department officials said that LAFD units are “proactively staffed” to better help with disaster response efforts.

“We have proactively staffed and augmented additional resources throughout the city that have been strategically pre-deployed within the city to ensure your safety…and reducing risk,” said LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley.

The California Highway Patrol is urging residents to stay off the roads as the storm moves through the region. Several car accidents due to poor road conditions caused by Hurricane Hilary have been reported the CHP noted.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath in an emailed notice noted:

I hope each of you is staying safe and taking care. This morning, Los Angeles County proclaimed a state of emergency as Hurricane Hilary makes landfall in Los Angeles as a tropical storm. As you’re experiencing, wind and rain have arrived and will increase throughout the day. This is why it’s imperative that we all stay safe by staying indoors. Please avoid all non-essential travel.

Conditions related to a tropical storm can change quickly and with little warning. Flash flooding can occur within minutes. This is why avoiding travel is the best way to stay safe.

Los Angeles County’s emergency operations center is coordinating our regional response, and our office is fully engaged and here to support our communities through this incident. For the latest updates, visit the incident response page: www.lacounty.gov/emergency.

Conditions related to a tropical storm can change quickly and with little warning. Flash flooding can occur within minutes. This is why avoiding travel is the best way to stay safe.

Los Angeles County’s emergency operations center is coordinating our regional response, and our office is fully engaged and here to support our communities through this incident. For the latest updates, visit the incident response page: www.lacounty.gov/emergency.

Tips:

Helpful contacts:

Resources to stay informed:

L.A. County Emergency Response Page – stay up to date regarding evacuations, road closures, or media releases during active storms.

Ready Los Angeles Twitter – monitor social media for regular updates.

Register for Emergency Alerts – Alert LA County is an opt-in mass notification program that allows individuals to receive emergency alerts by text, email and/or phone call. Please also register for your local city’s emergency alerts.

Emergency shelter – find information on the County’s shelter program or call 2-1-1 for assistance.

Locate your closest fire department – locate your nearest station to obtain free sandbags if needed.

California continues to mobilize ahead of Hurricane Hilary’s projected landfall in SoCal. People are urged to take all necessary precautions

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SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for much of Southern California to support Hurricane Hilary response and recovery efforts as the state continues mobilizing and coordinating resources ahead of the storm’s forecasted impacts starting today. The text of today’s emergency proclamation can be found here.Hurricane Hilary is currently a Category 2 storm that the National Hurricane Center says is expected to bring “catastrophic and life-threatening flooding” to Baja California and the Southwestern U.S., including Southern California. Much of the impacts of the storm, including heavy rainfall and high winds, are expected to begin today and last through Monday.

At the Governor’s direction, there are currently more than 7,500 boots on the ground deployed to help local communities protect Californians from the impacts of Hurricane Hilary.

The Governor signed the emergency proclamation in San Diego while visiting with California National Guard troops. Also today, the Governor met with first responders and local officials, including San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. He also was in touch with federal officials, including the White House.

What Governor Newsom said: “California has thousands of people on the ground working hand-in-hand with federal and local personnel to support communities in Hurricane Hilary’s path with resources, equipment and expertise. We’re mobilizing all of government as we prepare and respond to this unprecedented storm.”

PREPARE NOW: Here are the top 5 things Californians can do to stay safer during the storm.

HOW CALIFORNIA IS PREPARING:

State Operations Center Activated: At the direction of Governor Gavin Newsom, the State Operations Center at the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is currently activated and the state is closely monitoring impacts from rain, wind, flash flooding and potential power outages, as well as coordinating across state agencies to provide resources in preparation for other potential impacts. Additionally, the state has activated its Medical and Health Coordination Center to coordinate and monitor response efforts and has issued an alert to all health facilities in the state.

Prepositioned Resources: The state continues to coordinate the prepositioning of emergency resources across Southern California and the Central Valley in anticipation of Hurricane Hilary:

Maintaining Roadway Safety: Approximately 2,000 Caltrans maintenance personnel in the region are on 12 hour shifts, 24 hours a day. They are installing pumps in flood-prone areas, such as Pacific Coast Highway/State Route 1 in Orange County, and monitoring burn scars for potential mudslides, especially in northern Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Caltrans Southern California districts are opening emergency operations centers and are coordinating with city and county emergency operations centers as needed. Additionally, the California Highway Patrol has staffed more than 3,900 officers and other personnel in the region and has prepositioned equipment, activated limited emergency operations centers and has Special Response Teams on alert.

Protecting Vulnerable Communities: California is actively monitoring potential impacts to vulnerable communities, including unhoused individuals. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has reached out to local partners and licensed settings caring for some of the most vulnerable — including individuals with disabilities, older individuals, and unsheltered individuals — to help ensure that people have access to services should they need them. Additionally, the state is working with local officials to ensure mobile home communities are taking appropriate steps to prepare.

Coordinating With Private Sector: California continues to coordinate with major retailers, including Target, Wal-Mart, Lowe’s, CVS Health and others, as well as grocers to ensure essential supplies are available and emergency contingency plans are activated. Additionally, the state is coordinating with major fuel suppliers, utility providers and telecommunications companies to determine any needs of support to maintain essential services.

Closing State Parks and Beaches: The state is actively monitoring the storm’s impacts on state parks and making real-time decisions on closures as needed. Currently, California has closed 10 parks and has 600 staff on the ground to respond. The state is closing Silver Strand State Beach and Borderfields State Beach today and Orange Coast District and San Diego District beaches on Sunday and Monday, as well as increasing lifeguard services. The public is advised to stay out of the ocean during the storm. Additionally, state parks have proactively canceled reservations at campgrounds in high-risk areas.

As the powerful storm moves North it has been losing strength and will likely hit as a weak Category One Hurricane or a tropical storm

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LOS ANGELES – The National Weather Service announced Saturday morning the most likely impact from Tropical Storm Hilary will be rain. The forecast keeps high rain chances between Sunday and Monday night. Rain amounts are less certain due to the exact track and timing.

As the powerful storm moves North off the coast of Baja California, it has been losing strength and will likely hit as a weak Category One Hurricane or a tropical storm the Weather Service said.

Hilary is expected to make landfall in Southern California on Sunday with rainfall amounts ranging from 2 to 10 inches. Emergency preparedness continues as communities from the Los Angeles region south to San Diego brace for what officials have said could be an unprecedented amount of damage caused by the storm.

Advance of Hilary impacting the San Diego region, the Commander, Navy Region Southwest announced early Saturday that the Pacific Fleet Surface Navy would be sending a bulk of the fleet to sea to avoid storm destruction.

The Los Angeles Emergency Management Department announced:

How to request support

KTLA 5 is live-streaming Hurricane Hilary radar through the weekend and until the storm passes. Watch live on desktop or mobile: https://ktla.com/weather/hurricane-hilary-live-satellite-and-radar/

The state is mobilizing to protect people from the storm and reminding everyone in the storm’s path to take steps now to prepare.

“We should never underestimate the power of Mother Nature. California is coordinating with federal and local governments to support communities as they prepare for this unprecedented storm. Heed warnings from local authorities, be ready and stay informed,” Governor Newsom said Friday evening.

At the direction of Governor Gavin Newsom, the State Operations Center at the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is currently activated and the state is closely monitoring incoming impacts from rain, wind, and potential flash flooding and power outages.

Here are the top 5 things you can do to stay safer during the storm:

At the direction of Governor Newsom, the State Operations Center at the Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is currently activated

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SACRAMENTO – With Hurricane Hilary forecasted to be the wettest tropical cyclone in state history and the first-ever Tropical Storm Watch issued for California, the state is mobilizing to protect people from the storm and reminding everyone in the storm’s path to take steps now to prepare.

Hurricane Hilary – currently a powerful Category 4 storm – is forecast to track into Southern California over the weekend and into early next week, bringing moderate to heavy showers, thunderstorms and possibly stronger winds to Southern California. Some parts of Southern California could receive a year’s worth of rain from this storm. The location and intensity of precipitation and winds will be variable as the hurricane approaches California.

“We should never underestimate the power of Mother Nature. California is coordinating with federal and local governments to support communities as they prepare for this unprecedented storm. Heed warnings from local authorities, be ready and stay informed,” Governor Newsom said. Governor Newsom is headed to Southern California and will be there for the next several days as the storm makes landfall.

At the direction of Governor Gavin Newsom, the State Operations Center at the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is currently activated and the state is closely monitoring incoming impacts from rain, wind, and potential flash flooding and power outages. The State Operations Center is actively coordinating across state agencies to provide resources in preparation for potential impacts and to support response and recovery efforts.

In coordination with locals, the state is prepositioning resources including swift water rescue teams, California National Guard teams, and flood fighting tools while also working closely with community-based organizations to protect vulnerable unhoused people. Additionally, California is staffing highway maintenance crews 24 hours a day and taking proactive steps to maintain roadway safety.

Here are the top 5 things you can do to stay safer during the storm:

No tropical storm has made landfall in Southern California since Sept. 25, 1939, according to the National Weather Service

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MIAMI-DADE, FL. – The U.S. National Hurricane Center announced that Hurricane Hilary has grown into a Category 4 storm with sustained winds near 140 mph (220 kph) and was expected to continue its rapid intensification through Friday morning.

The Center issued a first-ever tropical storm watch for Southern California, from the California-Mexico border to the Orange County-Los Angeles County line and for Catalina Island.

Tropical storm conditions could begin affecting the Baja California peninsula late Friday. Hilary’s projected path threatened landfall in the middle of the peninsula by Sunday, or it may stay just offshore while heading for Southern California.

Hilary was centered about 425 miles (685 kilometers) south of Los Cabos on the southern tip of the Baja peninsula. It was moving west-northwest at 14 mph (22 kph), but was expected to turn gradually north through Saturday.

The hurricane center said that as Hilary moves onto or brushes the Baja peninsula, it could possibly survive briefly as a tropical storm or tropical depression and cross the U.S. border.

No tropical storm has made landfall in Southern California since Sept. 25, 1939, according to the National Weather Service.

“Rainfall impacts from Hilary within the Southwestern United States are expected to peak this weekend into Monday,” the hurricane center said. “Flash, urban, and arroyo flooding is possible with the potential for significant impacts.”

The area potentially affected by heavy rainfall could stretch from Bakersfield, California, to Yuma, Arizona, as well as some parts of southern Nevada.

In Southern California, an outlook for excessive rainfall stretched from Sunday to Tuesday, according to the Los Angeles weather office.

While the odds are against Hilary making landfall in California as a tropical storm, there is a high chance of major rain and flooding, UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain said in an online briefing Wednesday.

Additional reporting by KTLA 5 Los Angeles

The National Weather Service cautions most of SoCal will receive excessive rainfall & occasional bursts of high winds with flooding expected

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UPDATED 7:30 pm August17, 2023. (AP) Hurricane Hilary strengthened into a major storm Thursday evening off Mexico’s Pacific coast, and it could bring heavy rain to the southwestern U.S. by the weekend.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Hilary’s maximum sustained winds had risen to 120 mph (195 kph), making it a Category 3 hurricane.

The storm was expected to grow into a Category 4 hurricane Friday while on a projected path that threatened landfall on the central Baja California peninsula by Sunday or possibly keep just offshore while heading for Southern California.

MIAMI-DADE, Fla. – The U.S. National Hurricane Center, in an updated forecast Thursday, warned that the named tropical storm Hilary has been upgraded to a category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph and could perhaps skim the coast of the Baja California peninsula by the weekend as it heads North.

The National Weather Service Los Angeles area is cautioning that most of Southern California will receive excessive rainfall and occasional bursts of high winds with flooding expected in low lying areas.

The National Weather Service issued flood watches for the following areas, Orange County Coastal Areas, Orange County Inland Areas, San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire, San Diego County Coastal Areas, San Diego County Valleys and Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills.

From late Saturday night through Monday evening, excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding in poor drainage and urban areas. Debris flows are possible on recent burn scars.

Hilary is forecast to reach Category 3 status at some point on Saturday the Hurricane Center noted in its warning.

KTLA meteorologist Henry DiCarlo said Thursday that the storm is forecast to drop several inches of rain on the Southland, especially in the desert areas where upwards of ten inches of rain could fall.

“When it moves onshore it’s going to bring a lot of rain. Not just for the desert areas but for all of us here in Southern California,” Henry said.

As #Hilary develops, there will be increasing southeast swell across the coastal waters Sun-Tue.High surf (4-7 ft if not a bit higher) is possible on SE and S facing beaches. Also, strong rip currents will be likely. Residents on Catalina Island could be most vulnerable.

A hurricane reaching Southern California would be extremely rare. The last one to make landfall was in 1858 in San Diego. No tropical storm has made landfall in Southern California since Sept. 25, 1939, according to the National Weather Service.

With a tropical system forecast to dump heavy rain over parts of Southern California this weekend, the Auto Club is reminding motorists to slow down and allow more space between vehicles while driving on slick roads and freeways, and to stay off the roads during the heavy rain if possible.

“Driving into flooded areas on roads and freeways could damage your vehicle and place you in danger,” said Megan McKernan, manager of the Auto Club’s Automotive Research Center. “Often, it is hard to tell how deep the water is on the road, so don’t drive into a large water-covered area. Drivers should also watch for debris and disabled vehicles in reduced visibility conditions.”

To avoid crashes, the Auto Club recommends these tips:

Slow down.

Motorists should drive slowly, particularly through puddles. Driving at slower speeds also helps drivers be prepared for sudden stops due to debris, and other hazards associated with wet-weather driving.

Keep your distance/Avoid skids.

A car needs two to three times more stopping distance on wet pavement, so allow extra following distance between cars. Sudden braking often leads to skids. Extra distance provides a buffer zone in case of skids. If the car skids and control is lost, do not slam on the brakes. Instead apply the brakes with a steady, light but firm pressure. Remember to steer in the direction the car is sliding. When traction is regained, steering control will return. For cars equipped with anti-lock brakes, drivers should apply heavy steady pressure, but not pump the brakes.

Use center lanes.

When driving during heavy rain, use center lanes of the road (without straddling the yellow line). Avoid outside lanes where water collects at curbside.

Avoid distractions.Don’t drive while “intexticated” or while performing any other activities that are not focused on safe driving.

Stay informed.Tune into radio and television weather reports to know where traffic congestion or crashes might be located. If possible, avoid these areas.

Treat inoperable traffic light intersections as four-way stops.

​The storm could cause power outages affecting traffic lights.

Also, performing vehicle maintenance before driving in wet weather is crucial. Motorists are advised to follow this checklist:

Check tires.Make sure tires are in good condition and are at the recommended inflation level. Driving with bald tires on a slippery surface is a major factor in skidding. Tires should have at least 1/32nd of an inch tread depth at any two adjacent grooves, the minimum allowable by law. Driving on tires that are over inflated or under-inflated is also extremely dangerous on wet pavement.

Make sure windshield wiper blades are in good condition.Streaks or skipping on the vehicle’s windshield are signs of worn wiper blades. Inspect wipers once a month and check washer solvent reservoir to ensure it’s full. Use windshield washer fluid, and not water, since it is formulated to cut through oils that may get splashed on the windshield and will not harm paint.

Check brakes periodically.After driving through a puddle, check that brakes are working properly by tapping them gently a few times.

Use headlights and windshield defroster.Driving in the rain means reduced visibility. The Auto Club recommends that motorists turn on the vehicle’s headlights so they can see and be seen. Turning on the defroster helps keep the inside of the windshield clear of moisture.

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