Tropical Storm Hilary: flooding in Mexico and evacuation orders in California

Authorities continue to issue evacuation orders in California as Tropical Storm Hilary, previously a category 4 hurricane, makes its way inland leaving a trail of flooding in its wake. The tropical storm, which weakened since Friday, is expected to unleash significant rainfall beginning Saturday night. The National Weather Service warned citizens to prepare for "catastrophic and life-threatening flooding.”

Despite its downgrade to a Category 1 hurricane and then to a tropical storm, the National Weather Service warned that Hilary could trigger isolated tornadoes in parts of Southern California. In addition, it is creating potentially deadly surf conditions and rip currents along Southern California beaches.

Authorities in high risk areas have set up shelters to deal with potential evacuations.

As it passed through Mexico, Hilary remained at category 1, triggering red alerts in several areas in Baja California and Baja California Sur. There have been several fatalities, according to national media reports.