The storm has already swept through the Mexican state of Baja California, turning roads into rivers of water. There, a person sitting in a car lost his life when it was swept away by a river that overflowed its banks.

On Sunday, local time, the storm reached the US state of California.

Meteorologists warned in advance that the storm could cause catastrophic flooding.

This is the first time in history that authorities have issued a tropical storm warning for Southern California.

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency.

Hundreds of flights have been canceled to and from airports in San Diego, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Sporting events have been cancelled.

Additionally, schools are closed Mondays in both San Diego and Los Angeles.

Desert city flooded

In the desert city of Palm Springs, 160 kilometers east of Los Angeles, residents typically receive 120 mm of precipitation in a year.

Hillary alone is expected to cause the city to receive between 150 and 250 mm of precipitation.

And Reuters wrote that the city, which is usually dry, received more rain in one hour on Sunday than ever before.

Hurricane warnings have also been issued in some places.

California earthquake

People were stocking up on water and other supplies in anticipation of the storm.

Amid preparations for the storm, an earthquake struck the state. The 5.1-magnitude earthquake hit Ojai, northwest of Los Angeles.

So far, there have been no reports of injuries.