Hurricane Priscilla strengthens off western Mexico; watches issued for Baja California Sur and Manzanillo
Hurricane Priscilla has strengthened off western Mexico with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph), and tropical‑storm watches are in effect for Baja California Sur from Cabo San Lucas to Santa Fe and for the coast from Manzanillo to Punta Mita. Forecasters warn outer bands could drop up to 6 inches (15 cm) of rain in parts of Michoacán and Colima, raising flash‑flood risk, while the National Hurricane Center expects Priscilla to intensify to Category 2 and approach major‑hurricane strength as swells already produce life‑threatening surf and rip currents.
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📌 Key Facts
- Priscilla has strengthened to a hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph).
- Tropical-storm watches are in effect for Baja California Sur from Cabo San Lucas to Santa Fe and for the coast from Manzanillo to Punta Mita.
- Forecasters warn parts of southwestern Mexico, including Michoacán and Colima, could receive up to 6 inches (15 cm) of rain from Priscilla’s outer bands, increasing the risk of flash floods.
- The National Hurricane Center expects Priscilla to intensify to Category 2 and to approach major‑hurricane (Category 3) strength over the next several days.
- Swells from Priscilla are already producing life‑threatening surf and rip currents along the coast.
📰 Sources (2)
Hurricane Priscilla lashes western Mexico with heavy rain and strong winds
New information:
- Priscilla has strengthened to a hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph).
- Tropical-storm watches now in effect for Baja California Sur from Cabo San Lucas to Santa Fe and for the coast from Manzanillo to Punta Mita.
- Forecasters warn parts of southwestern Mexico (Michoacán and Colima) could receive up to 6 inches (15 cm) of rain from Priscilla’s outer bands, raising flash‑flood risk.
- NHC expects Priscilla to intensify to Category 2 and approach major‑hurricane strength over the next several days; swells producing life‑threatening surf and rip currents are already reaching the coast.