Background on Priscilla and its Relevance
Priscilla, a tropical storm currently affecting Mexico’s Pacific coast, has intensified into a Category 1 hurricane according to Mexico’s National Weather Service (SMN). This development prompts weather alerts for states bordering the Pacific Ocean.
Current Status and Movement
As of the latest update, the center of Hurricane Priscilla is located approximately 470 kilometers south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, and 780 kilometers south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur.
Wind and Rainfall Predictions
The SMN reports that Priscilla generates maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour (km/h), with gusts reaching up to 150 km/h, and is moving north-northwest at a speed of 6 km/h.
- Michoacán: Heavy rainfall (150 to 250 mm) is expected along the coast and western regions.
- Jalisco, Colima, and Guerrero: Intense rainfall (75 to 150 mm) is forecasted for the coastal areas of Jalisco and eastern Colima, as well as western Guerrero.
- Nayarit: Very strong rainfall (50 to 75 mm) is anticipated.
Wind speeds are expected to reach 70 to 90 km/h along the coasts of Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacán, and 40 to 50 km/h in western Guerrero.
Wave Height and Impact
Significant wave heights of 4 to 5 meters are predicted along the coasts of Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacán, while Guerrero’s western coast is expected to see waves of 2.5 to 3.5 meters.
In collaboration with the National Hurricane Center of the United States, the SMN has established a vigilance zone from Punta San Telmo, Michoacán, to Punta Mita, Nayarit.
Safety Measures and Precautions
The SMN warns that the rainfall associated with Hurricane Priscilla may bring thunderstorms, leading to potential flooding, landslides, and waterlogging in low-lying areas of the affected states. Furthermore, strong winds could uproot trees and bring down advertisements.
To ensure public safety, the SMN advises residents to heed weather advisories, follow recommendations from local civil protection authorities, and exercise extreme caution in the face of high winds and elevated wave activity.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current status of Hurricane Priscilla? Priscilla has intensified into a Category 1 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h and gusts up to 150 km/h.
- Which states are under weather alerts? States bordering the Pacific Ocean, including Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Baja California Sur, are under weather alerts.
- What types of hazards does Priscilla pose? Hurricane Priscilla may cause thunderstorms, flooding, landslides, and waterlogging in low-lying areas. Strong winds could also lead to uprooted trees and fallen advertisements.
- What safety measures are recommended? Residents should follow weather advisories, heed recommendations from civil protection authorities, and exercise caution during high winds and elevated wave activity.
