Overview of Priscilla’s Current Status and Impact
Priscilla has been upgraded to a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale as it moves across the Pacific. Although it remains offshore from Mexico’s coast, the storm is causing high waves and intense rainfall.
According to the National Hurricane Center (NCH), as of 15:00 GMT (9:00 AM CDMX time), Priscilla was located 345 kilometers away from the Baja California Peninsula, with sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour.
Forecast and Potential Impact
The forecast predicts that Priscilla will gain more strength, potentially becoming a higher-category hurricane (above level 3), while remaining offshore. The weather service warns of waves up to six meters high along the northwestern coast and heavy rainfall in the coming days.
Monitoring Additional Weather Systems
Authorities are also keeping an eye on a developing system near Guatemala’s coast, which has the potential to become a hurricane within a week and may follow a trajectory close to Mexico’s southern Pacific coast.
Recent Hurricane Impact in Mexico
In late October 2023, extensive damage was caused in the popular beach resort of Acapulco by Hurricane Otis. Despite initial predictions, Otis intensified to a Category 5 hurricane, resulting in around 50 fatalities and an equal number of people reported missing.
Mexico frequently experiences the impacts of cyclones along both its Pacific and Atlantic coasts, typically between May and November each year.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current status of Hurricane Priscilla? Priscilla has been upgraded to a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale, with sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour.
- Where is Priscilla located, and how far is it from Mexico’s coast? As of the latest update, Priscilla is 345 kilometers away from the Baja California Peninsula.
- What impacts is Priscilla causing despite being offshore? The storm is generating high waves up to six meters and intense rainfall along the northwestern coast.
- What are authorities monitoring in addition to Priscilla? Authorities are tracking a developing weather system near Guatemala’s coast with the potential to become a hurricane within a week and follow a trajectory close to Mexico’s southern Pacific coast.
- What recent hurricane impacted Mexico significantly? Hurricane Otis in late October 2023 caused extensive damage in Acapulco, resulting in around 50 fatalities and an equal number of people reported missing.
- How often does Mexico experience hurricanes? Mexico frequently experiences cyclones along its Pacific and Atlantic coasts, typically between May and November each year.
