Introduction to Hurricane Priscilla and Its Potential Impact
Hurricane Priscilla, currently a Category 1 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, is expected to bring torrential to very heavy rainfall across at least five states in Mexico, according to the National Water Commission (CONAGUA).
Detailed Precipitation Forecast
- Torrential: Michoacán (coastal and western regions)
- Intense: Jalisco (coastal and eastern regions), Colima, and Guerrero (western and coastal areas)
- Very Heavy: Nayarit
- Showers: Baja California Sur (coastal and southern regions)
Wind Speed and Ocean Conditions
CONAGUA also predicts wind gusts ranging from 80 to 100 kilometers per hour (km/h) along the coasts of Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacán. In addition, wind gusts between 40 to 50 km/h are expected along the western coast of Guerrero. The ocean conditions include waves reaching heights of 4 to 5 meters along the coasts of Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacán, and 2.5 to 3.5 meters along the western coast of Guerrero.
Current Position and Movement
As of 18:00 hours (Central Mexico Time), the center of Hurricane Priscilla was located 460 kilometers (km) south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, and 770 km south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h, with wind gusts reaching up to 150 km/h and moving north-northwest at 6 km/h.
Vigilance and Safety Measures
In collaboration with the National Hurricane Center in the United States, CONAGUA has established a vigilance zone for potential tropical storm winds affecting areas from Punta San Telmo, Michoacán, to Punta Mita, Nayarit.
CONAGUA emphasizes that the heavy rainfall may cause thunderstorms, leading to waterlogging, landslides, and flooding in low-lying areas of the mentioned states. Furthermore, strong winds could lead to uprooted trees and fallen advertisements. Therefore, the public is advised to heed warnings from the SMN, follow recommendations by local civil protection authorities, and exercise extreme caution against strong winds and high ocean conditions.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current status of Hurricane Priscilla? Hurricane Priscilla is currently a Category 1 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h and wind gusts up to 150 km/h, moving north-northwest.
- Which states are expected to experience heavy rainfall? Michoacán (coastal and western regions), Jalisco (coastal and eastern regions), Colima, Guerrero (western and coastal areas), and Nayarit.
- What are the wind speeds and ocean conditions predicted? Wind gusts of 80 to 100 km/h along the coasts of Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacán; 40 to 50 km/h along the western coast of Guerrero; and wave heights of 4 to 5 meters along the coasts of Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacán, as well as 2.5 to 3.5 meters along the western coast of Guerrero.
- What safety measures should the public take? The public is advised to follow warnings from the SMN, adhere to civil protection recommendations, and exercise extreme caution against strong winds and high ocean conditions.
