Priscilla remnants to drench U.S. Southwest; flood warnings posted, NWS flags 2–3 inches in northern Arizona
Priscilla, which formed off Mexico and strengthened to a major hurricane along the Pacific coast before weakening to a tropical storm, prompted tropical‑storm/hurricane watches and heavy surf for parts of Baja California Sur as it moved northwest. Its remnants are forecast to drench the U.S. Southwest with flood warnings already posted — the NWS in Flagstaff warns of 2–3 inches of rain likely around Flagstaff (locally higher), with Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado at risk of rapid runoff and dangerous flash floods, especially over recent burn scars and where motorists enter floodwaters.
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📌 Key Facts
- Priscilla earlier intensified to a Category 2 hurricane (about 100 mph) but has since weakened to a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph and is centered roughly 295 miles west of the southern tip of Baja California, moving northwest at about 8 mph.
- Tropical-storm watches are in effect for parts of Baja California Sur (including the Cabo San Lucas area) and for stretches of Mexico’s Pacific coast; high surf, gusty winds and life‑threatening swells and rip currents are already affecting coastal areas.
- Mexican authorities and forecasts warned of heavy rainfall in southwestern Mexico — parts of Michoacán and Colima could receive roughly 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) of rain from Priscilla’s outer bands, raising flash‑flood risk.
- Baja California Sur officials canceled classes in Los Cabos and La Paz and opened multiple shelters in anticipation of impacts.
- The National Hurricane Center and U.S. forecasters say Priscilla’s remnants could produce flash flooding across the U.S. Southwest through the weekend; flood warnings have already been posted for parts of the region.
- The National Weather Service in Flagstaff says northern Arizona is most at risk in the U.S. Southwest, with about 2–3 inches of rain likely around Flagstaff and locally higher amounts possible.
- Rain bands from Priscilla are expected to saturate Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado over the weekend, with some places potentially receiving in hours as much moisture as they normally do in a year.
- Existing burn scars (including on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim) will worsen flash‑flood impacts, and forecasters warn of the danger of driving into floodwaters — noting many fatalities occur in vehicles and citing Arizona’s 'stupid motorist law.'
📰 Sources (5)
Tropical Storm Priscilla to drench Southwest US, raising deadly flash flood risk
New information:
- Flood warnings have already been posted Thursday for parts of the Southwest as Priscilla’s remnants approach.
- NWS Flagstaff meteorologist Robert Rickey says northern Arizona is most at risk, with 2–3 inches of rain likely around Flagstaff and locally higher amounts possible.
- Rain bands from Priscilla are expected to saturate Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado through the weekend, with some areas receiving as much moisture in hours as they get in a year.
- Recent burn scars (including on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim) may worsen flash‑flood impacts.
- NWS notes many fatalities occur in vehicles; Arizona’s ‘stupid motorist law’ is cited amid concerns about drivers entering floodwaters.
Tropical Storm Jerry churns in the Atlantic as Priscilla moves along Mexico’s Pacific coast
New information:
- Priscilla has weakened to a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds around 50 mph.
- Location/motion update: about 295 miles west of the southern tip of Baja California, moving NW at 8 mph.
- Baja California Sur under a tropical storm watch from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lázaro; high surf and gusty winds reported.
- NHC says Priscilla could bring flash flooding through the weekend across the U.S. Southwest.
Hurricane Priscilla strengthens to a Category 2 storm as it runs along the Pacific coast of Mexico
New information:
- National Hurricane Center lists Priscilla with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (Category 2).
- Precise location given: ~260 miles west‑southwest of Cabo Corrientes and ~230 miles south of the southern tip of Baja California.
- Baja California Sur announced cancellation of classes in Los Cabos and La Paz and set up a dozen shelters.
- Forecast detail: Priscilla could be at or near major hurricane strength later Tuesday, with weakening beginning Wednesday; up to 4 inches (10 cm) of rain possible in parts of Michoacán and Colima.
- Context: Tropical Storm Octave noted as weakening about 795 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.
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.