Climate: How the media reported on tropical storm Hilary in California

Climate: How the media reported on tropical storm Hilary in California

Main Themes

#1 : The Speculation Phase – “deadly, life threatening, catastrophic”

What actually happened: One person died in Mexico. Typical large storm level flooding and mud slides occurred in selected areas of California and Nevada. While there were substantial rains in some areas (such as 10+ inches in the higher mountains), the low lands generally received 2-3 inches.

Update: An elderly woman in San Bernadino may have died when her mobile home was swept away by flood waters. This death is not yet confirmed as of Aug 24.

#2 : It wasn’t that bad

#3 : The Storm Was Caused by Climate Change

This was the predominant spin – this tropical storm was absolutely caused by climate change, there is no other possible explanation – and it will only get worse from here “say experts”:

#4 : Reality Phase – Tropical Storms have hit California Before

Spinning that may be it wasn’t climate change after all but a normal but rare tropical storm of the type that has hit California in the past:

The 1939 storm was the first since 1858, when a hurricane passed off shore San Diego  – about 81 years between 1858 and 1939, and 84 years between 1939 and 2023 – hmmmmmm.

#5 : How Fast we Forget

Context matters.

#6 : Let’s Speculate About Next Scary Headlines

And on to the next scary speculation!

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