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Today, August 21, 2023, Southern California faces an unprecedented convergence of natural events. Tropical Storm Hilary, after its devastating passage through Mexico, brought intense rainfalls to areas like Palm Springs, which recorded its heaviest hour of rain in history. Regions more accustomed to droughts, such as Los Angeles County, are now grappling with flash floods, with California Governor Gavin Newsom declaring a state of emergency. Mountain and desert areas are expected to receive up to 10 inches of rain, equivalent to what some of these arid regions typically see in an entire year. Compounding these weather challenges, a significant 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook parts of Ventura and Los Angeles County, its epicenter pinpointed near Ojai. Following this seismic event, the region experienced multiple aftershocks with magnitudes reaching up to 3.0. Residents and officials alike are on high alert, taking measures to ensure safety while contending with both the storm and the aftermath of the quake. The combination of Storm and earthquake led to the term “Hurriquake“ being used on social media.
