Hurricane Priscilla Weather Update: Storm Weakens Over Mexico but Brings Heavy Rain, Flood Risks, and U.S. Impacts

Hurricane Priscilla’s Development and Current Status

Hurricane Priscilla initially intensified rapidly earlier this week, reaching peak sustained winds near 85 mph (140 kph) before cooler waters and stronger upper-level winds caused it to lose strength. By midweek, the system had downgraded to a tropical storm, though it still carried significant rainfall and coastal hazards.

According to meteorologists, Priscilla’s core remains disorganized, but its expansive rainbands are stretching across western Mexico, particularly along the states of Jalisco, Nayarit, Colima, and Baja California Sur.

Key storm statistics at a glance:

Heavy Rain and Flooding Threats in Mexico

Although Priscilla has weakened, its slow movement has increased the rainfall duration across coastal and inland regions. Local authorities have reported flash floods, overflowing rivers, and disrupted transport routes.

In Jalisco, emergency crews are responding to reports of missing individuals swept away by rising waters. Schools in several Pacific states have been suspended, and emergency shelters have been opened to accommodate residents in high-risk areas.

Coastal zones have also faced large waves, dangerous surf, and rip currents, forcing temporary closures of ports such as Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, and Manzanillo.

How the U.S. Southwest Is Preparing for Priscilla’s Remnants

Forecasters expect hurricane priscilla weather to continue weakening as it moves inland over Baja California, but its remnants will push northward into the United States. Moisture from the system is predicted to merge with an upper-level trough, delivering widespread rainfall across the desert Southwest.

Rainfall projections in the U.S. include:

• Arizona: Up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in Phoenix, with higher totals in mountainous areas.

• New Mexico and Nevada: 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) expected, especially near higher elevations.

• Southern Utah and Colorado: Isolated heavy rain pockets, raising flash flood concerns.

The National Weather Service has issued flash flood watches for several states, emphasizing caution in areas with dry creek beds, canyons, and burn scars prone to rapid flooding.

Wind and Surf Impacts Continue Along Mexico’s Coast

Even as Priscilla transitions into a weaker system, strong gusts and powerful waves continue to batter Mexico’s Pacific coast. Swells several meters high are being recorded, posing a threat to fishermen, beachgoers, and small boats. Coastal authorities have urged residents to avoid beaches until conditions stabilize.

Affected coastal areas:

• Cabo San Lucas

• Puerto Vallarta

• La Paz

• Manzanillo

• Mazatlán

These regions have experienced both wind damage and temporary power outages, although restoration efforts are already underway.

What’s Next for Priscilla

Weather models suggest that the storm will dissipate completely after crossing the Baja Peninsula. However, its lingering moisture will continue to influence weather patterns over Mexico and the southwestern United States through the weekend.

Meteorologists note that while Priscilla is not expected to regain hurricane strength, its aftermath highlights how even weakening tropical systems can unleash dangerous and long-lasting effects through flooding and landslides.

Residents in both Mexico and the United States are urged to stay updated on official forecasts and heed local safety advisories until the hurricane priscilla weather system fully dissipates.