The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) has reported that Hurricane Priscilla nearly reached Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale yesterday as it moved toward Mexico’s western coast. With sustained winds of around 170 km/h (105 mph) and a northwesterly movement of 15 km/h (9 mph), Priscilla’s outer bands have already reached parts of Baja California Sur.
As of last night, the hurricane’s eye was located approximately 604 km west of Cabo Corrientes and 305 km south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Local authorities issued a tropical storm warning from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lázaro, and classes have been suspended in all schools across Los Cabos and La Paz starting Tuesday. Twelve temporary shelters have also been opened for residents in high-risk areas.
Meteorologists warn that rainfall totals could reach up to 10 cm (4 inches) in southwestern Mexico, particularly in the states of Michoacán and Colima, increasing the risk of flash floods and dangerous coastal surf. The NHC forecasts that Priscilla will begin to weaken gradually over the coming hours.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the continent, a new system — Tropical Storm Jerry — has developed in the Atlantic Ocean about 1,658 km east-southeast of the Northern Leeward Islands. With maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h (53 mph), Jerry is intensifying rapidly and could reach hurricane strength within the next 24 to 48 hours, according to the NHC.
Forecasters expect Jerry’s center to pass near or north of Barbuda, Anguilla, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint Martin, and Sint Maarten between Thursday and Friday, where a tropical storm watch has already been issued.
Farther out in the Pacific, Tropical Storm Octave continues to weaken about 1,207 km southwest of Baja California’s southern tip, with winds near 75 km/h (47 mph) and a slow east-southeastward movement.
As the 2025 hurricane season continues to show strong activity across both oceans, residents in affected regions are urged to stay alert and follow official weather updates and local emergency advisories
