Tropical Storm Hilary Slams California and Mexico (Photos)

Historic flooding, mudslides and high winds are stranding residents after Tropical Storm Hilary’s arrival in California and Mexico.

According to the Associated Press, the tropical storm is the first to hit Southern California in 84 years.

The storm moved out of Mexico and into California on Sunday bringing what the AP described as “more than an average year’s worth of rain in inland desert areas.”

According to Weather.com, Palm Springs, California received half its annual rainfall in “just a few hours’ time.”

The website says the effects of the storm could be felt as far as Montana in the coming days as “remnants of Hilary will continue to accelerate north and northwestward.”

Photos from the the area show surfers tackling high waves in the Pacific Ocean prior to the storm’s arrival.

The tone of those images quickly changed to one of struggle as interstates closed due to flood waters.

Here is a look at how California and Mexico residents are handling Tropical Storm Hilary as it sweeps through their area.

LOOK: Tropical Storm Hilary Wreaks Havoc on California and Mexico

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.