Hurricane Priscilla Weather Update: Powerful Storm Pounds Western Mexico, Eyes U.S. Southwest with Heavy Rains

Hurricane Priscilla Weather: Current Strength and Path

According to the latest reports, Hurricane Priscilla has reached Category 2 strength, packing sustained winds of about 110 mph (177 km/h). The storm is moving northwestward, staying just offshore but close enough to unleash significant rainfall and gusty winds across western Mexico. Meteorologists expect Priscilla to approach Category 3 intensity in the next 24 hours before it encounters cooler waters and begins to weaken later in the week.

Key Storm Details

Mexico’s Pacific Coast Faces Flood Risks

While Priscilla’s eye remains over the ocean, its outer bands are hammering Mexico’s Pacific coastline. Towns in Colima, Michoacán, and Jalisco have reported heavy rainfall, and local authorities have issued tropical storm watches from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lázaro. Schools in Los Cabos and La Paz are temporarily closed, and emergency shelters are open to support displaced residents.

Forecasters warn of rainfall totals reaching up to 4 inches (10 cm) in some mountainous areas, which could trigger flash flooding and landslides. Two people—one teenager in La Huerta and an elderly man in Zapotlanejo—have been reported missing amid rising waters and unstable conditions.

Local officials urge residents in low-lying zones to evacuate early and avoid rivers, cliffs, or coastal roads, as the combination of strong winds and high waves could make travel extremely dangerous.

What the U.S. Southwest Can Expect from Priscilla’s Remnants

Even as Priscilla begins to lose strength later this week, its moisture plume is forecast to drift north, bringing unsettled weather to parts of the southwestern United States.

• Arizona could experience thunderstorms and localized flash flooding from Thursday through the weekend.

• Northern and eastern Arizona, including Flagstaff and the Mogollon Rim area, may see higher rainfall totals, while Phoenix could record around one inch of rain.

• Southern California, particularly San Diego County, may also get rain showers and gusty winds, though much weaker than what Mexico is enduring.

Meteorologists emphasize that while Priscilla’s remnants won’t retain hurricane force, the additional rain could be beneficial in drought-prone areas of the Southwest—if flash flooding remains limited.

Authorities Issue Safety Alerts

Mexican civil protection agencies are maintaining high alert status across five coastal states. Citizens are advised to stay tuned to weather updates, avoid beaches, and prepare for potential power outages or road closures.

In the U.S., forecasters from the National Weather Service (NWS) recommend residents in Arizona and southern California stay aware of flash flood advisories, especially near deserts and mountain valleys.

Why Hurricane Priscilla Stands Out

What makes Hurricane Priscilla weather noteworthy this season is how quickly it intensified over warm Pacific waters—a phenomenon scientists link to rising ocean temperatures. The system’s rapid growth from a tropical storm to a near-major hurricane within days highlights the volatility of late-season tropical activity in the region.

Experts suggest that future storms in the eastern Pacific could follow similar patterns, with shorter warning times and stronger peak intensities. For now, both Mexico and the southwestern U.S. remain on alert, monitoring how long Priscilla maintains her grip on the Pacific.

Safety Checklist for Affected Areas

Residents in threatened regions are advised to take simple precautions to minimize risks:

• Secure loose outdoor objects and boats.

• Keep emergency supplies and flashlights ready.

• Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain or coastal surges.

• Follow official instructions from local emergency services.

The next 48 hours will be critical as Priscilla approaches peak strength. Communities along Mexico’s west coast are urged to remain cautious while the United States watches for any spillover effects from the storm’s trailing moisture.