In brief
Hurricane Priscilla was observed near the coast of western Mexico, unleashing heavy rains and strong winds, and prompting a tropical storm watch in Baja California Sur. The hurricane is expected to intensify to a potentially major storm. Concurrently, Tropical Storm Octave is weakening far away from land with no immediate threats to the southwestern region.
MIAMI (AP) — Western Mexico is currently facing the brunt of Hurricane Priscilla, which is bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and hazardous surf conditions to the coastal areas and the Baja California peninsula as of Monday. A tropical storm watch has been issued for regions of Baja California Sur, spanning from Cabo San Lucas to Santa Fe, according to an advisory from the Miami-based National Hurricane Center. Priscilla, positioned approximately 230 miles (370 kilometers) south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, is maintaining maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph).Meteorologists predict that southwestern Mexico could receive up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain from the outer bands of Priscilla through Wednesday, leading to a heightened risk of flash flooding in the states of Michoacán and Colima. The weather service has cautioned that swells generated by the hurricane are affecting coastal areas, resulting in life-threatening surf and rip currents.The storm is anticipated to strengthen to a Category 2 hurricane, edging closer to major hurricane status in the coming days.In the vicinity, Tropical Storm Octave is currently in a weakening state, situated around 885 miles (1,425 kilometers) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, with its winds diminished to 65 mph (100 kph) as of Monday morning. There are currently no watches or warnings associated with Octave, and forecasts indicate it will continue to weaken and dissipate over the next few days.}
