Hurricane news has intensified into a Category 2 storm as it moves along Mexico’s Pacific coastline and is expected to become a major hurricane news later on Tuesday.
According to the National Hurricane news Center in Miami, Priscilla was located early Tuesday about 255 miles (410 km) west-southwest of Cabo Corrientes and roughly 245 miles (390 km) south of Baja California’s southern tip. The storm is packing maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 kph) and is moving northwest at a speed of 10 mph (17 kph).
A tropical storm watch has been issued for Baja California Sur, covering areas from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lázaro. In response to the approaching storm, the Baja California Sur government announced that all schools in Los Cabos and La Paz would close starting Tuesday as a precaution. Authorities have also opened a dozen shelters in Los Cabos for residents in high-risk locations.
Forecasters warn that parts of southwestern Mexico could receive up to 4 inches (10 cm) of rainfall from Priscilla’s outer bands through Wednesday, increasing the threat of flash flooding, particularly in Michoacán and Colima states. Powerful swells generated by the storm are already impacting Mexico’s coast, creating dangerous surf and rip currents.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Octave is weakening far out at sea, located about 795 miles (1,280 km) southwest of Baja California’s southern tip. Octave’s sustained winds are currently at 50 mph (85 kph), and it is moving east-southeast at 7 mph (11 kph).
