Hurricane Priscilla is expected to intensify and may reach category three strength by the evening of October 7, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm is moving northwest along the Baja peninsula and could bring heavy rainfall to southern Baja California, northern Baja California Sur, and Sonora from Wednesday through Sunday morning.
Hazardous conditions are forecast at sea, with large waves and strong riptides anticipated along the Pacific coast. In similar past events, dangerous surf has resulted in deadly rip currents and rogue waves that have caused fatalities among U.S. citizens. Travelers are advised to stay out of the water and off beaches during these hazardous conditions, follow local authority warnings, and keep up-to-date with official weather reports.
Priscilla is predicted to weaken to a tropical storm or disturbance as it nears and crosses over the Baja peninsula in southern Baja California state on Friday, October 9.
Authorities recommend those with travel plans to coastal regions in Baja California, Baja California Sur, or Sonora remain alert. Air travel could be disrupted; travelers should confirm flight status with airlines. Flooding and mudslides could affect roads, particularly in mountainous areas; road conditions should be checked before traveling. Residents and visitors are urged to prepare for shelter if needed.
Individuals should monitor updates from local media outlets and comply with instructions from officials. In emergencies, they can call 911. Weather information can be tracked via the National Hurricane Center and Mexico’s Servicio Meteorológico Nacional websites. Civil Protection agencies for Baja California Sur, Baja California, and Sonora provide resources on emergency response measures.
The Department of State encourages people to inform friends or family about their whereabouts through calls or messages. Additional guidance on crisis preparation abroad is available at the Department of State’s Crisis and Disaster Abroad: Be Ready page (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies/crisis-abroad.html). U.S. citizens can sign up for real-time safety alerts through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) (https://step.state.gov/).
Assistance contacts include:
- U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico: From Mexico: (55) 5080 2000; From United States: 011 52 55 5080 2000
- Department of State – Consular Affairs: +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
Further information on travel in Mexico can be found at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Mexico.html.
The public may also receive updates through social media channels such as Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mexico.usembassy/) or X (https://twitter.com/usembassyMEX).
"Similar conditions have previously resulted in deadly rip currents and rogue waves that claimed the lives of multiple U.S. citizens."
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