Tropical Storm Lorena looms over Baja California, posing a flood risk, while Kiko strengthens in the Pacific
Hurricane Lorena, currently a Category 1 storm with winds near 75 mph, has formed off Mexico's Baja California peninsula. As of Wednesday, the hurricane was approximately 105 miles off Cabo San Lucas, but its path remains uncertain. Lorena is moving northwest at about 26 km/h.
According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Lorena is expected to gain strength over the next 24 hours. The agency warns of life-threatening flash floods and mudslides in higher terrain, and a tropical storm warning has been issued for parts of the region.
Residents in southwestern Mexico and along Baja California are urged to prepare, but no mandatory evacuations have been ordered as of yet. The hurricane is expected to cross the peninsula within the next two days, potentially causing further regional storms in the southern USA.
Up to 15 inches of rainfall is possible in some areas of Baja California through Friday due to Hurricane Lorena. Meanwhile, Hurricane Kiko remains a Category 2 storm over the Pacific, with winds reaching 105 mph. It is roughly 1,700 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii, and does not pose any land hazards at this time.
However, there is potential for Hurricane Kiko to strengthen further. Lorena's path remains uncertain, as it could either make landfall on the peninsula or drift over cooler waters in the Pacific.
Stay tuned for updates on the progress of Hurricane Lorena and any potential impacts to the region.