Wild weather, rain, and life-threatening ocean conditions slammed Cabo San Lucas over the past couple days as Lorena – once a category 1 hurricane, now a post-tropical cyclone – slammed the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula. Now, the storm heads north.
The footage filtering in from social media accounts on the ground in Cabo has mostly featured flooding. But there are a few (very grainy) scenes of waves as well. Additionally, national weather organizations have been warning against the dangerous conditions.
@reuters The streets throughout Mexico’s Los Cabos were left flooded and covered in thick mud after Hurricane Lorena passed near the popular tourist destination, bringing heavy rains and strong winds that damaged roads and stranded vehicles. #hurricanelorena #loscabos #mexico #flood #mud
Per a September 3rd update from the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico:
“The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports that Tropical Storm Lorena has become a category 1 hurricane overnight, though it may weaken back to tropical storm as it approaches the Baja Peninsula on Thursday morning, September 4. Heavy rain is already affecting Baja California Sur and the Pacific coast of the Baja peninsula. Extensive rain is forecast and will affect southeastern Baja California, northern Baja California Sur, and southwestern Sonora state Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
“Tropical storm conditions are expected to continue along the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur over the next few days. U.S. citizens in the impacted areas should monitor the progress of Hurricane Lorena. Extremely hazardous conditions along the Pacific coast—intensified by storms—have resulted in deadly rip currents and rogue waves, previously claiming the lives of multiple U.S. citizens. Travelers should avoid entering the water or walking on beaches during dangerous conditions, heed warnings from authorities, and monitor official weather updates closely.”
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Heavy claims of “deadly rip currents and rogue waves,” though better to err on the side of caution. As for the storm’s predicted path, it’s looking mostly like heavy rain.
According to NOAA:
“Across the southwestern United States, 1 to 2 inches of rain, with isolated totals up to 4 inches, are expected across portions of Arizona and New Mexico through Saturday, bringing the potential for isolated to scattered flash flooding.”
And the waves?
“Swells generated by Lorena will continue affecting portions of the west coast of Baja California Sur through today. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.”
Stay vigilant.
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