by Steven Felschundneff | steven@claremont-courier.com

As predicted, the powerful Hurricane Hilary weakened overnight and made landfall in northern Baja California as a tropical storm on Sunday, according to a bulletin issued at 11 a.m. PDT from the National Hurricane Center.

“Catastrophic and life threatening flooding likely over Baja California and portions of southwestern U.S. through Monday,” read the Hurricane Center bulletin.

The National Weather Service issued flash-flood warnings for the Antelope Valley, Los Angeles County mountains and Santa Clarita Valley shortly after noon today.

Rain began early Sunday morning in Claremont but tapered off by noon. The National Weather Service reports that Claremont received half an inch of rain this morning. The worst rain and winds from Hilary are expected to reach our area by 5 p.m.

“The City is preparing for the upcoming storm,” read a news release from the city. “Storm drains have been cleared, the Wilderness Park will be closed beginning August 20, staff is on standby and prepared to activate the Emergency Operations Center, and staff is in contact with our utility partners.”

Tomorrow’s Monday night concert in the park has been cancelled.

The police department is asking residents to call 911 for life-threatening emergencies only. To report a downed tree, flooding or other hazards that do not put life in peril, call the police at (909) 399-5411. Due to heavy call volume the lines may occasionally be busy.

The city is reporting that sandbags are still available at our local fire stations including Station 101, 606 W. Bonita Ave.; Station 102, 2040 Sumner Ave.; and Station 62, 3701 N. Mills Ave. It is recommended that you bring a shovel or other tool with you to fill the bags.

According to the Washington Post, one man was killed in Baja California when his car was swept away in a flash flood. The newspaper is also reporting heavy flooding in Northern Mexico.