Kay is currently a formidable Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds reaching speeds of 105 mph. It prompted a hurricane warning for the western side of Central Baja California, tropical storm warnings for the entire east coast of Baja California, and a tropical storm watch from northern Baja California to the US-Mexico border. It is not expected to remain a hurricane as it approaches Southern California. In fact, it is expected to slow down and turn left toward the Pacific Ocean as it rounds its initial approach. However, the positioning of the storm may place Southern California in the right front quadrant, which typically experiences significant rainfall and brings the potential for severe weather. The heavy rainfall brings the chance of heavy rain and the possibility of flash flooding across Los Angeles County, Orange County and parts of the Inland Empire. Beaches between Orange County and the Palos Verdes Peninsula may have waves of 5 to 6 feet, which can create dangerous rip currents, making swimming in these areas especially dangerous. While Kay is expected to arrive Thursday, the brunt of the system will occur Friday and Saturday. Sunday brings a chance for more clouds, showers and thunderstorms. The storm is expected to ease around Monday, creating an opportunity to usher in the fall weather with cooler and calmer conditions. At this time, Kay is not expected to reach Southern California as a tropical storm. The last tropical storm to directly hit California was on September 25, 1939. Within that month four tropical storms hit Southern California. A massive heat wave, which hit Southern California for days, led to the onslaught of tropical storms.
