Hilary was a historic storm for Southern California. And while it did cause damage in some areas others may have felt like the storm didn't live up to the hype. So we asked a climate scientist to help break down how we can better interpret hurricane forecasts.
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00:00 Hillary was a historic storm for Southern California.
00:04 And while it did cause damage in some areas,
00:06 others may have felt like the storm
00:08 didn't live up to the hype.
00:10 So we asked a climate scientist to help break down
00:13 how we can better interpret hurricane forecasts.
00:16 We found starting with the key messaging graphics
00:18 from the National Hurricane Center,
00:20 and then following up with your local forecast
00:22 will give you the best idea.
00:24 - Because the National Hurricane Center,
00:25 in the name, it's national.
00:27 They can't say what's gonna happen exactly in San Diego
00:32 or in Riverside or all these varying populated areas
00:37 that have different needs,
00:39 different types of infrastructure and different climates.
00:44 - She also says just because where you live
00:46 may not be in the direct path of a storm,
00:48 doesn't mean you won't see any impacts from it.
00:51 For example, Arizona may not be a place
00:53 you would think sees remnants of hurricanes,
00:56 but the moisture from Storm Norbert in 2014
01:00 caused flooding problems between Phoenix and Flagstaff.
01:03 Being ready for something like that
01:04 could just mean being aware that it's hurricane season.
01:07 - Just assessing your risk and keeping an eye on things
01:10 doesn't mean you have to look all the time,
01:11 but maybe make a habit of every other day
01:14 checking the National Hurricane Center's webpage
01:16 and be like, "Oh, are they watching anything now?
01:18 "Or if they named something."
01:20 - She says preparedness could just mean
01:22 stocking up on food and water
01:23 and making sure you have any necessary medication
01:26 that could prevent you from being badly impacted
01:29 by power outages or major roadways flooding.