OCDE is tracking the latest developments related to Tropical Storm Hilary. Below is our running digest, with newer stories posted at the top.
Updated at 4:19 p.m. on Aug. 21, 2023
All OC districts expected to resume their regular schedules on Tuesday
In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Hilary, all Orange County school districts are planning to resume their regular schedules on Tuesday.
Both the Anaheim Union High School District and the Anaheim Elementary School District closed their campuses on Monday as a precautionary measure in response to the heavy rains that swept across Southern California as Hilary approached.
The Anaheim Union High School District posted a Facebook update on Monday afternoon to say its schools would reopen the following morning. Anaheim Elementary previously shared that its schools would reopen Tuesday.
Cal State Fullerton, Fullerton College and Mater Dei High, a private school, also canceled classes for the day. All other local school districts in Orange County either remained open or have yet to start the 2023-24 school year.
While scattered showers and thunderstorms were expected to continue in central and northern California until Monday night, the National Weather Service’s forecast for the rest of the state is predominantly dry, with temperatures returning to normal levels or higher.
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Updated at 7:38 p.m. on Aug. 20, 2023
Anaheim school districts announce campus closures; other OC districts to remain open
The Anaheim Union High School District and the Anaheim Elementary School District have both announced that they will close their campuses on Monday as a precautionary measure in response to the heavy rains brought on by Tropical Storm Hilary.
With the storm expected to diminish locally by Monday morning, other Orange County school districts indicated they will follow their regular schedules to start the week. (Several have yet to start the 2023-24 school year.)
Earlier in the day, the Los Angeles Unified School District announced it will cancel classes on Monday, and the San Diego Unified School District said it would commence its new school year on Tuesday instead of Monday. Cal State Fullerton, Fullerton College and Mater Dei High School were also reportedly canceling in-person instruction.
The Anaheim Union High School District’s full announcement can be found on its Facebook page. Anaheim Elementary has a post on Instagram.
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Updated at 11:44 a.m. on Aug. 20, 2023
County says storm could bring a year’s worth of rain to parts of OC
County officials reported Sunday that its Emergency Operations Center and partners were monitoring impacts from rain and wind — including potential flash flooding and power outages — from Tropical Storm Hilary.
Some parts of Orange County could receive a year’s worth of rain from this storm, the county said on its website.
A flood watch remains in effect for the Southern Region through Monday, and a Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for all of Orange County. As such, the county is urging residents to do the following:
- Sign up for AlertOC for emergency alerts.
- Follow the guidance of public safety officials.
- Limit travel to emergencies only.
- If you must travel, avoid downed power lines, stay away from waterways and low-lying areas.
- Talk with your family about an emergency plan and pack a go-bag.
- Check in on loved ones and neighbors.
- If told by local officials to evacuate, don’t wait.
Residents are further encouraged to check regularly for local updates on social media by following #HilaryOC at:
County of Orange
X (formerly Twitter): @OCGovCA | Facebook: @OCGov | Instagram: @OCGov
Orange County Sheriff’s Department
X (formerly Twitter): @OCSheriff | Facebook: @OCSheriff
OC Public Works
X (formerly Twitter): @OCPublicWorks | Facebook: @OCPublicWorks
OC Animal Care
X (formerly Twitter): @OCAnimalCare | Facebook: @OCAnimalCare
Orange County Fire Authority
X (formerly Twitter): @OCFireAuthority | Facebook: @OCFireAuthority
The County of Orange also offers PDFs with storm safety tips in the following languages:
English | Spanish | Vietnamese | Korean | Chinese
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Updated at 4:50 p.m. on Aug. 18, 2023
OC braces for heavy showers and wind as Tropical Storm Hilary approaches
Hurricane Hilary is expected to be downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it reaches Southern California, but our region is still bracing for an exceptional weather event that promises heavy rainfall and strong winds over the weekend and on Monday.
Dr. Ramon Miramontes, deputy superintendent of the Orange County Department of Education, emphasized the collaborative efforts to keep local communities safe.
“While we’re unaccustomed to experiencing such storms, especially in August, we’re closely monitoring the situation and are ready to provide support to our local school districts,” Dr. Miramontes said. “Our priority is the well-being of our students, staff and our community.”
Hilary is expected to weaken as it travels north and hits cooler waters, according to the National Weather Service. However, coastal areas are still anticipating 2 to 3 inches of rainfall, with some spots possibly receiving 5 to 10 inches, and that means a flood watch will be in effect for most of the region.
Sustained winds of 30 to 50 miles per hour are also anticipated. At the same time, weather experts note that small changes to the storm’s trajectory could impact the location and intensity of precipitation and wind in Southern California.
Schools in California are required by law to annually update Comprehensive School Safety Plans, which outline each site’s planned response to various emergencies. The Orange County Department of Education also collaborates with state and county partners, along with local districts and first responders, to ensure a unified and coordinated response to potential crises.
“Our well-established emergency protocols are in place, and we are prepared to assist our local districts as needed,” stated Dr. Miramontes.
With flooding advisories in effect, residents are encouraged to take precautions, including:
- Clear drains and gutters to prevent water accumulation.
- Avoid walking or driving through flooded areas.
- Keep emergency supplies, including water, food and medications, easily accessible.
- Charge essential electronics and keep backup batteries on hand.
- Follow local authorities’ guidance and evacuation orders, if necessary.
The National Weather Services has more flood safety tips and resources on its website. For information on emergency preparedness in Orange County, visit www.readyoc.com.