Overview and Relevance of Hurricane Priscilla
Hurricane Priscilla, currently a Category 2 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, is causing significant weather changes across several Mexican states. The National Meteorological Service (SMN) has issued warnings of intense rainfall (75 to 150 mm) for southern Baja California Sur, central and southern Sinaloa, and northern and central Nayarit. Fuertes (25 to 50 mm) rainfall is expected in Jalisco and Colima.
Hurricane Priscilla’s Current Status
As of October 7, Hurricane Priscilla’s center was approximately 305 kilometers south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, and 605 kilometers west of Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 165 km/h, gusts up to 205 km/h, and is moving northwest at 15 km/h.
Government Response and Preparations
In response to the impending storm, Mexico’s federal government deployed a Coordination and Liaison Mission (ECO) in Baja California Sur to bolster preventive actions and preparation efforts alongside local, state, and federal authorities.
The government of Baja California Sur, through the State Council of Civil Protection, ordered the suspension of classes at all educational levels in public and private schools, as well as work in state and municipal government offices. Approximately 240 individuals from Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and Miraflores municipalities have taken shelter in 21 temporary refuge centers.
Rainfall Forecast and Potential Impacts
According to the National Water Commission (Conagua), Hurricane Priscilla’s rainfall could lead to heavy downpours, lightning, and potential flooding, landslides, and waterlogging in low-lying areas of the affected states.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Hurricane Priscilla’s current status? As of October 7, Hurricane Priscilla is a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 165 km/h, gusts up to 205 km/h, and is moving northwest at 15 km/h.
- Which regions are expected to experience intense rainfall? Southern Baja California Sur, central and southern Sinaloa, northern and central Nayarit, as well as Jalisco and Colima are expected to face intense or heavy rainfall.
- What actions have been taken by the Mexican government? The federal government deployed a Coordination and Liaison Mission (ECO) in Baja California Sur, while the state government suspended classes and work in public offices. Temporary refuge centers have been set up for those in need.
- What potential hazards does Hurricane Priscilla pose? The storm could bring heavy downpours, lightning, flooding, landslides, and waterlogging in low-lying areas of the affected states.
