Southern California has never experienced a tropical storm, so Hurricane Hilary came as a shock filled with the terror of debris, damage and intense rainfall. Flooded roadways and destroyed homes leave Southern California in disbelief. 

Hilary originated in Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. It soon made its way to Southern California. The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, announced a state of emergency for SoCal considering the extreme flash flood warnings. Siena Miller is the daughter of two California natives and sympathizes deeply with the citizens of SoCal. “It’s really sad, especially how it’s affecting all the smaller, coastal towns that are being hit really hard. I’m not sure if they will have enough aid and access to resources to help them get back on their feet quickly.” Authorities beg residents not to drive, considering mudslides and flooding taking over roads. Luckily, organizations like the Red Cross have opened emergency shelters around California, Nevada and even Arizona to assist those in need and evacuees. “My great grandparents are right by the ocean in Santa Barbara. The hurricane hit Carpinteria which is close to Santa Barbara. Every year over Labor Day weekend we go to Carpinteria for a family reunion. We stay literally right on the beach. It’s really crazy to think that our family reunion won’t be the same this year because of the devastation,” reflects Miller. “I don’t think anyone in California was really prepared for a hurricane. My parents both grew up in California and they were used to practicing for earthquakes, but never hurricanes,” admits Miller. Currently, Hilary is moving out of SoCal and onto other states such as Oregon and Idaho. Unexpectedly, California has been hit by a tropical storm that caused a lot of damage. It is safe to say that the Golden State has now turned into a focal point for natural disasters.