Hurricane Hilary forecast to reach Arizona; 'significant' rainfall possible

A hurricane forming off the coast of Mexico could impact Arizona and Southern California this weekend, meteorologists said.

Hurricane Hilary is expected to head toward the Baja California peninsula in the coming days, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The storm's path is expected to eventually take it into Southern California.

The National Weather Service reported a "significant excessive rainfall threat" for parts of southeast California, southern Nevada and western Arizona this weekend. The forecasted heavy rainfall can continue throughout south-central California into early next week.

"Heaviest rainfall amounts will especially focus over parts of the Southwest U.S./Southern California, but remain locally uncertain as dependent on the ultimate track of Hilary," the weather service said.

All about Hilary: Has Hilary reached hurricane status? Here's what Arizonans need to know

Tropical storms and hurricanes are unusual in the Golden State but with Tropical Storm Kay's impact last year, it's no longer uncommon.

Prior to 2022, the last time a hurricane made landfall in California was in 1859, when a Category 1 storm impacted the San Diego and Long Beach area with winds of 39 to 79 mph, according to The Washington Post. In 1939, a topical storm reached the same region and killed at least 45 people with 50 mph winds.

Hurricane Hilary path: Storm could bring heavy rain to Southern California. Track it here.

Specific Storm Map:

Arizona forecast: Hurricane Hilary heads toward Southern California, potentially bringing rain to western Arizona

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona likely to see heavy rainfall from Hurricane Hilary