New rainfall records were set across Los Angeles County after Tropical Storm Hilary crossed into Southern California near Palm Springs on Sunday evening after earlier making landfall in Mexico.
The big picture: It's rare for a tropical storm to hit the region. The storm is bringing the likelihood of "catastrophic and life-threatening flooding" to parts of the U.S. Southwest through Monday, while prompting unprecedented tropical storm warnings for Los Angeles and San Diego.
The era of simultaneous climate disasters is here to stay. This new reality is now on full display from Texas to the Northwest Territories of Canada.
Why it matters: The climate impacts this summer are a mere preview of what the planet will look like after warming at least 1.5°C (2.7°F) above preindustrial levels.
Tropical Storm Hilary's intense rains were flooding roads in Southern California and posing a threat to much of the U.S. Southwest overnight after crossing the border from Mexico on Sunday.
The big picture: California is in a state of emergency due to this extremely rare event that's caused thousands of flights to be delayed or canceled. Climate change has increased the likelihood and intensity of heavy rainfall that can cause catastrophic flooding, studies show.
