In brief
Western Mexico is currently facing the impacts of Hurricane Priscilla, which has maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm watch for Baja California Sur. The storm may bring up to 6 inches of rain leading to flash flooding in Michoacán and Colima. In the vicinity, Tropical Storm Octave is expected to weaken and dissipate without affecting land.
MIAMI (AP) — Western Mexico is enduring strong winds, heavy rain, and rough surf as Hurricane Priscilla approaches, significantly impacting coastal areas and the Baja California peninsula. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Baja California Sur, from Cabo San Lucas to Santa Fe, suggesting imminent threats to local regions.Priscilla is currently positioned about 230 miles (370 kilometers) south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, boasting maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph). As the hurricane continues to develop, forecasters expect it to strengthen to a Category 2 in the upcoming days, potentially reaching major hurricane status.Predictions indicate that certain areas of southwestern Mexico could experience heavy downpours, with rain accumulations of up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) expected from the outer bands of Priscilla through Wednesday. This poses a heightened risk of flash flooding particularly for the states of Michoacán and Colima.Additionally, swells generated by the storm are making landfall on the Mexican coast, creating life-threatening surf and rip currents, according to the National Weather Service.In related news, Tropical Storm Octave is located approximately 885 miles (1,425 kilometers) west-southwest of Baja California's southern tip but is currently weakening with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 kph). No watches or warnings are in effect with Octave, and it is anticipated to dissipate within a few days.
