Numerous media outlets and Reddit communities are anxious about the concert’s viability, considering there are just five days left. Essential preparations, including lighting configurations and rehearsals, need finalization well in advance for a smooth event. With the existing flooding and potential for additional rainfall, there’s uncertainty about whether Blackpink’s show will go on.
While Southern California is generally known for its calm weather, the region is currently grappling with a mix of unpredictable meteorological and seismic disturbances.
Initially anticipated to hit hard, Hurricane Hilary weakened before reaching Southern California. Nonetheless, its effects are felt in various locales, sparking concerns about potential damage.
The hurricane’s arrival led to several event modifications and cancellations. Public events, such as Koreatown’s CicLAvia, were postponed or canceled. Popular destinations like Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags, and Disneyland either shut their doors or revised their hours. Consequently, the Los Angeles Unified School District canceled classes for August 21, directing teachers to provide online study materials.
The National Weather Service initially labeled Hilary as a Category 4 hurricane. But by August 20, as it approached Baja California, it was downgraded to a tropical storm. This led to flash flood warnings in areas including Los Angeles, Burbank, and Palmdale. A tropical storm watch was also instituted for the wider Southern California area.
Local infrastructure swiftly displayed the storm’s impact. As of 2:30 p.m. on August 20, Southern California Edison reported 86 power outages, affecting 9,442 customers. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power also noted power disturbances in several hundred households throughout the county.
Adding to the weather challenges, an unexpected 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck Southern California around 2:41 p.m. on August 20, with its epicenter near Ojai. This earthquake spurred numerous aftershocks, the most potent being 3.9 in magnitude. Impressively, tremors were experienced as far away as Koreatown, OC, and Riverside. Infrastructurally, a significant landslide occurred on Highway 150 close to Ojai, and some businesses reported damages. Fortunately, there were no casualties due to these seismic activities.
Currently, Southern California remains vigilant. The National Weather Service forecasts 3 to 6 inches of rain in the upcoming hours and warns of high surf along the coastlines. As for Hurricane Hilary, projections show it moving towards the Nevada-Oregon boundary by late morning, with an expected decline in wind velocities.
BY JUNHAN PARK [park.junhan@koreadaily.com]
