In brief
As Hurricane Priscilla diminishes over the Pacific, potential flash floods loom for areas along Mexico's coast and the Southwestern United States this week. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Jerry is gaining speed in the Atlantic, expected to intensify into a hurricane by late Thursday as it approaches the northern Leeward Islands, raising concerns of heavy rainfall and flooding.
MIAMI (AP) — Hurricane Priscilla has weakened considerably as it continues to move along the west coast of Mexico. As of Wednesday, the hurricane is classified as a Category 1 storm, with maximum sustained winds recorded at approximately 80 mph (129 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
Despite its weakening status, heavy rainfall and the risk of flash flooding remain serious concerns, particularly in regions along Mexico's Pacific coastline and the Southwestern United States where significant rainfall is expected this week.
At present, Priscilla is moving northwest at a pace of 8 mph (13 kph) and is located roughly 195 miles (314 kilometers) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.
In the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Jerry is currently exhibiting winds of up to 50 mph (80 kph) and is approximately 835 miles (1,344 kilometers) east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands. The storm is progressing west-northwest at 23 mph (37 kph) and is projected to strengthen into a hurricane by Thursday.
Forecasters have indicated that Jerry's core is expected to be near or north of the northern Leeward Islands late Thursday and into Friday, which could lead to 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) of rain, thereby escalating the risk of flash flooding in affected islands.
A tropical storm watch has been issued for numerous locations including Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, as well as St. Barts and St. Martin.
On the Pacific side, a tropical storm watch for Hurricane Priscilla has also been established for Baja California Sur, especially from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lazaro.
As forecasters continue to monitor the situation, they noted that large waves generated by Priscilla are currently impacting portions of the southwestern and west-central Mexico coastline.
Further out in the Pacific, Tropical Storm Octave is currently diminishing about 720 miles (1,159 kilometers) southwest of the southern Baja California, moving east at 12 mph (19 kph) with maximum sustained winds at 40 mph (64 kph). This storm is not expected to pose a threat to land and is likely to dissipate by Thursday night.
