Hurricane Lorena has intensified into a Category 1 storm off the western coast of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, prompting authorities to issue a tropical storm warning for the region. Forecasters warn that the storm is expected to strengthen further within the next 24 hours, bringing heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami reports that Lorena is currently approximately 120 miles south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas. The storm is packing maximum sustained winds of 75 mph and moving northwest at 14 mph. Meteorologists forecast rainfall totals reaching up to 15 inches (38 centimeters) in parts of the peninsula, heightening the risk of life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, especially in mountainous areas.
Residents along Mexico’s southwestern coast and the Baja California region are advised to closely monitor updates from local authorities and prepare for severe weather conditions. The weather system’s projected path and intensity underline the ongoing threat posed by tropical cyclones to the region, emphasizing the need for vigilance and emergency readiness.
This development highlights the increasingly active hurricane season in the Pacific, which has seen several storms impacting coastal communities with destructive potential. Authorities continue to track Lorena’s progress, urging residents to heed warnings and take necessary precautions.