California hit by earthquake and Tropical Storm Hilary

The first tropical storm in 84 years made landfall in Southern California on Sunday, August 20, after the region was hit by a 5.1 moment magnitude earthquake.

Furthermore, the earthquake occurred at 14:41 PT with an epicenter near Ojai, northwest of Los Angeles, while it was followed by several smaller aftershocks. It is worth noting that this was the first earthquake of such magnitude to occur in the area since 1932, according to seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones.

Later on the same day, the weakened Tropical Storm Hilary made landfall in Southern California, after hitting Mexico with a Hurricane status.

Hilary went on to cause flooding in the affected areas, while Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency across most of Southern California.

Sandbags were distributed to fight flooding, while California National Guard troops, high water vehicles and aircraft were activated ahead of the storm.

The storm hit San Diego first, and then moved towards Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and the Death Valley, causing flooding, mudslides and debris flows as well as power outages.

Monday morning is expected to find Hilary heading towards Las Vegas, Nevada, causing significant flooding along its path before dissipating.