Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Coordinates Emergency Response
Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has taken to social media to inform the public about coordinated efforts by all levels of government in Los Cabos to prepare for potential heavy rainfall due to Hurricane Priscilla. Currently classified as a Category 2 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, Priscilla is expected to intensify further into a Category 3 by this evening. The hurricane is projected to move parallel to the western coast of Baja California Sur.
Heavy Rainfall and Strong Winds Forecast
The National Meteorological Service (SMN), part of the National Water Commission (CONAGUA), has issued a weather alert for potential impacts from a tropical storm, affecting areas from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo Corrientes in Baja California Sur. The forecast predicts intense rainfall for the southern regions of Baja California Sur, central and southern Sinaloa, as well as the northern and central areas of Nayarit.
Jalisco and Colima are also expected to experience heavy rainfall along with wind speeds ranging from 60 to 70 kilometers per hour (km/h).
As of this afternoon, the hurricane’s center was approximately 345 kilometers south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, and 535 kilometers west of Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco.
Formation of Tropical Storm Octave Reported
In addition to Hurricane Priscilla, the SMN reported the formation of Tropical Storm Octave in the Pacific Ocean, located southwest of the Baja California Peninsula.
However, due to its distance and easterly-southeasterly trajectory, the SMN has stated that Octave does not pose a threat to Mexican territory.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current status of Hurricane Priscilla? Hurricane Priscilla is currently a Category 2 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with expectations of intensifying into a Category 3 by this evening.
- Which regions are at risk of heavy rainfall? Southern Baja California Sur, central and southern Sinaloa, northern and central Nayarit, Jalisco, and Colima are all facing potential heavy rainfall.
- What wind speeds are expected? Wind speeds of 60 to 70 km/h are forecasted for Jalisco and Colima.
- Where is Tropical Storm Octave located, and does it pose a threat? Tropical Storm Octave is situated southwest of the Baja California Peninsula. Due to its distance and trajectory, it does not currently threaten Mexican territory.
President Sheinbaum’s proactive communication and the coordinated efforts of various government levels aim to ensure public safety as these weather systems approach. The SMN’s continuous monitoring and timely updates are crucial for communities to prepare for potential impacts.
