Hurricane Priscilla Intensifies Off Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Bringing Torrential Rains, Dangerous Winds, and Rising Flood Risks

Where Hurricane Priscilla Is Now

As of Monday morning, Hurricane Priscilla was located about 210 miles (around 338 kilometers) southwest of Cabo Corrientes, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm’s maximum sustained winds reached nearly 85 miles per hour (140 kilometers per hour), classifying it as a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

Meteorologists warn that Priscilla could continue to strengthen over warm ocean waters, potentially reaching Category 2 strength if conditions remain favorable. The storm is expected to move parallel to Mexico’s southwestern coastline over the next few days, keeping its center offshore but close enough to deliver heavy rain and gusty winds to land areas.

Regions Under Threat and Safety Alerts

The Mexican government has issued tropical storm watches for coastal regions stretching from Manzanillo to Punta Mita on the mainland and from Cabo San Lucas to Santa Fe in Baja California Sur. These areas could experience tropical-storm-force winds within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Meteorologists caution that rainfall totals may exceed 6 inches (15 centimeters) in some southwestern states such as Michoacán and Colima, where mountainous terrain amplifies flood and landslide risks. Coastal towns along the Pacific are also expected to see powerful waves and dangerous rip currents, making conditions perilous for residents and tourists alike.

Authorities advise residents in low-lying or flood-prone regions to prepare evacuation plans and monitor updates from Mexico’s civil protection agencies.

How Hurricane Priscilla Could Affect the United States

While Priscilla is not projected to make landfall in the United States, its remnant moisture may drift northward later in the week. Meteorologists in Arizona, Utah, and southern California expect possible rainfall and localized flooding between October 9 and 10 as Priscilla’s tropical moisture interacts with cooler air masses.

Forecasts suggest that regions such as southern Utah and Arizona’s desert valleys could see 1 to 2 inches (25–50 millimeters) of rain if the system’s remnants maintain their intensity. The National Weather Service has already issued early advisories highlighting the potential for brief but heavy downpours and thunderstorms heading into the weekend.

Broader Weather Context in the Pacific

Hurricane Priscilla is one of several active systems in the Pacific basin this season. At the same time, Tropical Storm Octave continues to weaken as it drifts away from land, posing no significant threat to populated areas.

Meteorologists note that Priscilla’s development reflects a broader pattern of above-average ocean temperatures fueling tropical activity this year. The warm waters off the Mexican coast have created ideal conditions for cyclones to form and intensify quickly, keeping local communities in a constant state of readiness.

Precautionary Measures and Preparedness Tips

Residents in affected regions are advised to:

• Stay tuned to official updates from the National Hurricane Center and local authorities.

• Avoid travel to coastal or mountainous regions during heavy rainfall periods.

• Prepare emergency kits with water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and first-aid supplies.

• Follow evacuation instructions promptly if issued by local officials.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding its exact track, Hurricane Priscilla continues to pose a serious threat to parts of Mexico’s Pacific coast. Forecasters emphasize that even if the storm remains offshore, its outer rain bands can still cause flash floods and mudslides across wide areas — a reminder that the effects of tropical systems often extend far beyond their center.