Tropical Storm Priscilla Weakens, But Rainfall Threat Remains across Mexico; Raymond Looms
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A weakening Tropical Storm Priscilla continues to pose a threat of heavy rainfall and high waves to Baja California Sur, while a new cyclone, Raymond, is developing off the Pacific coast, raising concerns for Chiapas and Oaxaca.
Tropical Storm Priscilla is currently located 265 kilometers (165 miles) west-southwest of Cabo san Lázaro, Baja California Sur, and is expected to continue weakening throughout Thursday. Despite the diminishing strength of the storm, authorities are maintaining a surveillance zone from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lázaro due to the ongoing risk of hazardous conditions.
Priscilla’s Current Impact and Forecast
The circulation of Priscilla is already generating showers, heavy rainfall, high waves, and wind gusts of 50 to 70 kilometers per hour (31 to 43 mph) across Baja California Sur. In the coming hours, residents can anticipate continued showers and heavy rains accompanied by waves reaching 2.5 to 3.5 meters (8 to 11.5 feet) in height.
According to the National Meteorological Service (SMN), Priscilla is forecast to remain a tropical storm until noon on Thursday, west of Cabo San Lázaro. By midnight on Friday, October 10, the system is expected to be downgraded to a posttropical storm approximately 205 kilometers (127 miles) southwest of Punta Abreojos, baja California Sur. The remnants of Priscilla will then move away, continuing as a posttropical system 160 kilometers (99 miles) south of Punta Eugenia, Baja California Sur.
Widespread Rainfall Expected Across Multiple States
The combined effects of Priscilla, the developing cyclone Raymond, and other atmospheric phenomena are predicted to bring widespread rainfall, showers, and even hailstorms to numerous states across Mexico. Here’s a breakdown of the expected conditions:
- Intense rains with occasional torrential rains: Eastern San Luis potosí,northern Querétaro,northeastern Hidalgo,northern and eastern Puebla,northern and central Veracruz,and the coast and southwestern Guerrero,northeastern and southwestern Oaxaca.
- Very heavy rains with intense punctual rainfall: The coast and south of Tamaulipas, northern, eastern, and southern Chiapas, and western and southern Tabasco.
- Heavy rains, very strong: Nuevo León, Michoacán, Guanajuato, and the State of Mexico.
- Showers with heavy occasional rains: Baja california, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Jalisco, Colima, Mexico City, Tlaxcala, Morelos, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo.
- Shower intervals: Chihuahua, coahuila, Durango, Zacatecas, aguascalientes, sinaloa, and Nayarit.
Authorities warn that these precipitation events could be accompanied by lightning, leading to potential flooding, landslides, and pooling water in low-lying areas. The predicted winds also pose a risk of downed trees and signage.
Raymond Develops, Threatening Southern Mexico
While Priscilla weakens, another cyclone, named Raymond, is forming and is expected to impact the coasts of Chiapas and Oaxaca. Details regarding Raymond’s projected path and intensity are still developing, but residents in these regions should remain vigilant and monitor updates from official sources.
Residents are strongly urged to heed warnings from the SMN and the National Water Commission (Conagua), follow the recommendations of Civil Protection authorities, and take extreme precautions against wind and high waves.
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