In brief
Hurricane Priscilla is currently located 230 miles south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, with winds reaching 85 mph. Parts of southwestern Mexico could see up to 6 inches of rain, leading to flash flood risks in Michoacán and Colima. Life-threatening surf and rip currents are also possible along the coast. Simultaneously, Tropical Storm Octave is weakening without any immediate threats to land.
MIAMI (AP) — Western Mexico is currently being battered by Hurricane Priscilla, which is bringing torrential rain, powerful winds, and dangerous surf conditions to the coastal areas and the Baja California peninsula.
A tropical storm watch has been declared for Baja California Sur, particularly from Cabo San Lucas to Santa Fe, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
As of Monday morning, Hurricane Priscilla was measured to be approximately 230 miles (370 kilometers) south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, with maximum sustained winds reaching 85 mph (140 kph).
Forecasts indicate that regions in southwestern Mexico may experience rainfall accumulation of up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) due to the hurricane's outer bands through Wednesday, escalating the risk of flash flooding in Michoacán and Colima states.
Additionally, hazardous swells from Priscilla are already impacting the Mexican coastline. Officials have warned of life-threatening surf levels and dangerous rip currents in these areas.
The hurricane is predicted to strengthen to a Category 2 storm, moving closer to major hurricane status in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Octave is gradually weakening, located about 885 miles (1,425 kilometers) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, with maximum winds of 65 mph (100 kph). No current watches or warnings are in effect for Octave, and meteorologists anticipate it will continue to weaken and dissipate in the coming days.
