You from the nbc news center here in los angeles. Welcome everyone to alex witt reports. We begin with the Breaking News, Tropical Storm hilary has begun lashing the pacific coast. Live pictures from san diego in the direct path of the storm we are heavy rain is beginning to fall in parts of california, and now under a State Of Emergency. Moving to las vegas, preparations for the orders are underway there. Storm drains are being tested, and potential for historic flooding there. Heavy rain could reach up to ten inches in some areas hit by the storms. So the impact could be catastrophic. The next two days will be crucial. Will hilary move north through california today and then into Northern Nevada by monday morning. A short time ago, the category one hurricane was downgraded to a Tropical Storm. But it is the first to hit california since 1939. Officials are warning, take this seriously. There would be Power Outages, make no mistake. There will be Power Outages across Southern Californ
bottom of essentially an impervious bowl. only an inch or two of rain can cause catastrophic conditions. last year, with only that much rain, where i am standing was underwater. all of this is tremendously concerning to officials if rain really begins to pour. here is one more thing i want to say about where i am and more broadly. everyone here has this feeling, this undercurrent of trying to be prepared for something unprecedented. and that is not just vegas. that s in places like san diego, all across mexico, and of course in los angeles. karen bass had this to say in her her preparation recommendations to angelenos. have a listen. our message today is clear. stay safe, stay home, and stay informed. this is an unprecedented weather event, but los angeles has deep experience responding to crisis. last, night i also signed a