Priscilla weakens to tropical storm off Baja; NHC warns U.S. Southwest flash flooding
Priscilla, which earlier strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane, has weakened to a tropical storm with winds near 50 mph about 295 miles west of the southern tip of Baja California and is moving northwest at about 8 mph, prompting tropical‑storm watches and high‑surf, gusty‑wind reports along parts of Baja California Sur. The National Hurricane Center warns Priscilla’s outer bands and remnants could produce heavy rain and flash flooding across parts of southwestern Mexico and the U.S. Southwest through the weekend.
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đź“Ś Key Facts
- Priscilla fluctuated sharply over several days: it strengthened from a hurricane with ~85 mph (140 kph) winds to a Category 2 storm with ~100 mph winds, then weakened to a tropical storm with sustained winds near 50 mph by Oct. 9.
- The National Hurricane Center had forecast further intensification (to Category 2/near‑major strength) before a subsequent weakening, and warned that swells were already producing life‑threatening surf and rip currents along the coast.
- By Oct. 9 Priscilla was tracking roughly west of the southern tip of Baja California (about 295 miles west) and was moving northwest at about 8 mph; earlier updates placed it ~260 miles west‑southwest of Cabo Corrientes and ~230 miles south of Baja’s tip.
- Tropical‑storm watches were issued for parts of Baja California Sur (including areas from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lázaro/Santa Fe) and for sections of the Pacific coast (Manzanillo to Punta Mita); high surf and gusty winds were reported.
- Heavy rain and flash‑flood risk: Priscilla’s outer bands could drop roughly 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) of rain in parts of Michoacán and Colima, raising the threat of flash flooding and flash‑flooding hazards.
- Local preparedness measures in Baja California Sur included cancellation of classes in Los Cabos and La Paz and the opening of about a dozen emergency shelters.
- The NHC warned that Priscilla could produce flash flooding across the U.S. Southwest through the weekend.
- Context: Tropical Storm Octave was also noted as weakening far to the southwest (about 795 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja California).
đź“° Sources (4)
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.