Hurricane Priscilla Strengthens Threatening Southwest Mexico Coast with Heavy Rain, Winds

Hurricane Priscilla has intensified in the Pacific Ocean, posing a significant threat to southwestern Mexico and the Baja California peninsula with sustained winds near 85 mph and potential to reach major hurricane status. The storm is expected to move north-northwest parallel to Mexico's coast, bringing heavy rainfall up to 6 inches in some areas, which raises the risk of flash flooding in states like Michoacán, Colima, Guerrero, Jalisco, and Colima. Coastal regions are also facing life-threatening surf and rip currents due to ocean swells generated by Priscilla, prompting tropical storm watches and warnings from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita and the Baja California Sur peninsula. While Priscilla strengthens, Tropical Storm Octave in the Pacific is weakening and poses no immediate land threat. The increased storm activity in the Pacific is noted as becoming more common due to climate change warming ocean waters, which historically had been cooler and less conducive to hurricanes. Overall, forecasters urge vigilance as Priscilla continues to intensify and affect coastal Mexico with hazardous weather conditions.