The Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles has advised Filipinos in Southern California, Southern Nevada, and Arizona to take precautions for the possible onslaught of Hurricane HIlary.
Consul General Edgar Badajos issued the advisory Saturday evening (Sunday PHL time) as the weather forecast downgraded the hurricane in Hilary to Category 1.
There are over 1.3 million in southwest USA — one of the biggest Filipino diaspora in the world. The biggest communities are in Los Angeles (130,000), San Diego (196,000), and Las Vegas (200,000). There are also 70,000 Filipinos in Arizona.
“The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles advises all Filipinos in Southern California, Southern Nevada, and Arizona to continue monitoring the movements of Hurricane Hilary, take precautions, and heed the warnings of local officials,” the Consulate said in its social media accounts.
Hurricane Hilary will be the first in storm to hit the US southwest since 1939. It formed into a Category 4 hurricane, and on Saturday, it weakened to Category 3 and then Category 2.
Despite the weakening of the storm, residents in the path of Hurricane Hilary are told to brace for “catastrophic and life-threatening flooding” on Sunday.
“Filipinos along the path of Hurricane Hillary are advised to check local advisories and undertake all preparations,” the Consulate said.
Filipinos in the southwest may call the Consulate’s hotline for emergency assistance (213) 2689990.
Image credits: NOAA via AP