Heavy rain to be delivered by Tropical Storm Lorena across four states prior to its weekend landing
Tropical Storm Lorena Threatens Mexico's Pacific Coast
Tropical Storm Lorena is making its way towards Mexico's Pacific Coast, with meteorological services issuing warnings and advisories for several states. The storm, currently about 550 km from Cabo San Lucas, a resort city on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, is expected to bring heavy rains, strong winds, and potentially dangerous weather conditions.
The Mexican Meteorological Service (SMN) has forecast heavy rains for the states of Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, and Michoacán. According to the SMN's daily report, Lorena might bring additional strengthening, possibly reaching hurricane strength by Wednesday. The SMN warns of possible hail and electrical charges, which could cause puddles, landslides, and flooding in low-lying areas of these states.
The National Water Commission (Conagua) has alerted states in the storm's path after Tropical Depression Twelve-E picked up speed. Conagua expects Tropical Storm Lorena might not reach hurricane strength until Friday. However, an NHC bulletin warns that "additional strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours and Lorena could reach hurricane strength by Wednesday."
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) projects the probable path of the storm center to remain parallel to the coast through Thursday. Tropical Storm Lorena is moving on a west-northwesterly path and could lash the Pacific Coast and reach Baja California Sur by nightfall. The Mexican Meteorological Service has designated coastal cities in Baja California Sur as risk areas for Tropical Storm Lorena, including from Santa Fe to Cabo San Lazaro and north of Cabo San Lazaro to Punta Abreojos.
The storm's maximum sustained winds reached 55 km/h, with gusts of up to 75 km/h. The U.S. National Hurricane Center noted Lorena reached hurricane strength with winds of 75 mph south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas and expects rapid strengthening through Wednesday night, with weakening starting Thursday.
The SMN advises coastal areas to prepare for sustained winds of 40 km and gusts up to 70 km through early Wednesday. The storm could stir up waves exceeding 3 meters. Additionally, the SMN predicts potentially significant flash flooding in the mentioned regions.
It's important to note that Lorena is the 12th tropical storm to form during the current hurricane season, with 16 to 20 expected in the Pacific and 13 to 17 in the Atlantic. Tropical Storm Lorena's potential landfall is expected to be halfway up the Baja California Peninsula late Friday night.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed, follow local authorities' instructions, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
