Hurricane Priscilla brings torrential rain and powerful winds to western Mexico
Hurricane Priscilla Lashes Western Mexico: Coastal Precautions Underway
Hurricane Priscilla Threatens Baja California Peninsula
Western Mexico braced itself on Monday as Hurricane Priscilla unleashed heavy rain, fierce winds, and tumultuous surf along its coast and the Baja California peninsula. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm watch for Baja California Sur, covering the area from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lazaro.
Preparations in Los Cabos and La Paz
In a proactive response, the government of Baja California Sur announced the suspension of classes starting Tuesday in Los Cabos and La Paz. It also prepared a dozen shelters in Los Cabos for residents in high-risk areas.
Rainfall and Flash Flood Alerts for Southwestern Mexico
Forecasters warned that the outer bands of Hurricane Priscilla could deliver up to 4 inches of rain in parts of southwestern Mexico through Wednesday, posing a flash flooding risk in the states of Michoacán and Colima.
Coastal Conditions and Weather Impacts
The coast of Mexico experienced swells from Priscilla, with life-threatening surf and rip currents expected. As the storm churned about 205 miles west-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, it reached maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. Despite its current intensity, the hurricane is expected to strengthen into a Category 2 storm before eventually weakening.
Tropical Storm Octave Diminishing
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Octave was located approximately 840 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. With maximum sustained winds of 50 mph, Octave showed no imminent threat to land as there were no watches or warnings issued. Forecasters anticipate the storm will continue to weaken and dissipate in the coming days.
