In brief
Western Mexico is currently facing severe weather conditions due to Hurricane Priscilla, which is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous surf to the Baja California peninsula. The National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm watch from Cabo San Lucas to Santa Fe. The hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, poses a significant risk of flash flooding in Michoacán and Colima states. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Octave is weakening with no immediate threats to land.
MIAMI (AP) — Western Mexico was being lashed Monday by Hurricane Priscilla, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and rough surf to coastal areas and the Baja California peninsula. A tropical storm watch was issued for Baja California Sur from Cabo San Lucas to Santa Fe, according to an advisory from the Miami-based National Hurricane Center. Priscilla was located about 230 miles (370 kilometers) south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph). Forecasters warned that parts of southwestern Mexico could see up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain from the storm's outer bands through Wednesday, increasing the risk of flash flooding in Michoacán and Colima states. Life-threatening surf and rip currents were predicted as swells from Priscilla reached the shoreline. The hurricane is projected to intensify to a Category 2 within the next few days. In proximity, Tropical Storm Octave was weakening, situated about 885 miles (1,425 kilometers) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, with maximum sustained winds measured at 65 mph (100 kph). Unlike Priscilla, there were no watches or warnings in effect for Octave, and it is expected to continue weakening and dissipate shortly.
