MEXICO & LOS ANGELES, CA - Inclement weather has hit Mexico’s Pacific Coast this morning, potentially reaching Southern California. The United States National Hurricane Center said a tropical storm watch has been issued for Southern California, the first time it has ever done that, as Hurricane Hilary grew rapidly to Category 4 strength.

AP News reported that Hurricane Hilary is the first tropical storm to reach Southern California in 84 years, sustaining winds near 145 mph early Friday. No tropical storm has made landfall in Southern California since September 25, 1939, according to the National Weather Service.

It’s expected to remain as a hurricane as it approaches Mexico’s Baja California peninsula on Saturday night, and a tropical storm when approaching Southern California on Sunday.

The Mexican government extended its hurricane watches and warnings northward for parts of Baja California peninsula and also issued a tropical storm watch for parts of mainland Mexico.

“Heavy rainfall in association with Hilary is expected to impact the Southwestern United States through next Wednesday, peaking on Sunday and Monday,” the hurricane center said. It said there was a substantial danger of flash flooding in an area stretching from San Diego to Las Vegas.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for southwest California, including Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, this morning.

ANUK will keep an eye on the reports for more updates.