In brief
Hurricane Priscilla is currently positioned off the coast of Mexico, approximately 230 miles south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, boasting maximum sustained winds of 85 mph. Forecasters warn of heavy rainfall, with certain areas expecting up to 6 inches, leading to flash flooding risks in Michoacán and Colima. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Baja California Sur as the hurricane is projected to strengthen to Category 2. In contrast, Tropical Storm Octave, 885 miles from Baja California, is expected to dissipate shortly.
MIAMI (AP) — Western Mexico is under the threat of Hurricane Priscilla, which has unleashed heavy rain, fierce winds, and hazardous surf conditions along coastal areas and the Baja California peninsula. As per the Miami-based National Hurricane Center, a tropical storm watch is active for Baja California Sur from Cabo San Lucas to Santa Fe. Currently, Hurricane Priscilla is situated about 230 miles (370 kilometers) south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, packing maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph).Forecasts indicate that certain southwestern regions of Mexico could receive up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rainfall from the hurricane's outer bands leading through Wednesday, heightening the risk of flash flooding in Michoacán and Colima states. Swells generated by Priscilla are already impacting the coast, raising concerns about life-threatening surf and rip currents.Meteorologists predict that the hurricane will continue to intensify and could reach Category 2 status in the coming days. In a related development, Tropical Storm Octave is currently weakening, located about 885 miles (1,425 kilometers) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, with winds of 65 mph (100 kph). Fortunately, there are no watches or warnings associated with Octave, and the storm is expected to continue weakening and dissipate soon.