In brief
Hurricane Priscilla is set to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to Western Mexico, with warnings of flash flooding and life-threatening surf conditions. The storm is expected to intensify to a Category 2 hurricane, while Tropical Storm Octave is weakening with no immediate threats.
MIAMI (AP) — Western Mexico was being lashed Monday by Hurricane Priscilla, which is bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and rough surf to coastal regions and the Baja California peninsula. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Baja California Sur, from Cabo San Lucas to Santa Fe, as stated by the Miami-based National Hurricane Center in an advisory.Hurricane Priscilla was located approximately 230 miles (370 kilometers) south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, with sustained winds reaching 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, raising concerns about flash flooding in the states of Michoacán and Colima.The surf swells produced by Priscilla are reaching the coast, with the weather service advising of life-threatening surf and rip currents. The hurricane is expected to intensify into a Category 2 storm and could approach major hurricane status over the next few days.In the vicinity, Tropical Storm Octave was weakening, situated about 885 miles (1,425 kilometers) west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Its maximum sustained winds were recorded at 65 mph (100 kph) on Monday morning, but there are currently no watches or warnings in effect for Octave, as forecasters anticipate it will continue to weaken and dissipate in the coming days.
