Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Tropical Storm Ileana is set to make landfall in Baja California Sur this Friday, bringing heavy rains and high winds to one of Mexico’s premier tourist destinations. The storm will be the first cyclone of the 2024 Pacific hurricane season to reach Mexican territory, causing authorities to issue warnings for the region.
According to the National Meteorological Service (SMN), the cloud bands of Tropical Storm Ileana are already causing heavy rain across western and northwestern Mexico, with particularly intense rainfall expected in Baja California Sur. The SMN warning highlighted the risk of electrical discharges and possible hail as the storm approaches the coast.
“The cloud bands of Tropical Storm Ileana will cause very heavy rains, sometimes intense, accompanied by electrical discharges and possible hail in the west and northwest of the country, as well as torrential rains in Baja California Sur,” said the SMN.
The latest update places the storm approximately 155 kilometers southeast of Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, and 310 kilometers southwest of Mazatlán, Sinaloa. It is moving north-northwest at a speed of 17 kilometers per hour, with sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching up to 95 kilometers per hour.
Rainfall and Winds Expected to Intensify
The SMN forecasts that Tropical Storm Ileana will make landfall between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. local time on Friday (3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. GMT). Its impact will be felt most severely in Baja California Sur, where intense rains are expected to deliver between 150 and 250 millimeters of rainfall. Neighboring states such as Sinaloa and Sonora are also forecast to experience very strong rains, with rainfall amounts ranging between 75 and 150 millimeters.
In addition to the torrential rains, Ileana is expected to bring strong winds and high waves. Winds with gusts between 70 and 90 kilometers per hour are anticipated in Baja California Sur, along with waves reaching heights of 2 to 4 meters. Waterspouts may also form in the area. Sinaloa and the Gulf of California are expected to experience gusts between 50 and 70 kilometers per hour and waves between 1 and 3 meters.
Preventive Measures in Place
The Mexican government has declared a “tropical storm prevention zone” from Santa Fe to San Evaristo in Baja California Sur. This preventive measure is aimed at minimizing the risk to residents and visitors in these areas, who are urged to take extra precautions.
The SMN is urging the general population, particularly those in the affected areas, to exercise extreme caution due to the rain, wind, and high waves. Maritime navigation has been warned of dangerous conditions, and residents are encouraged to follow the recommendations of local authorities.
“The general population is advised to take extreme precautions in the areas of the states mentioned due to rain, wind, and waves, including maritime navigation, and to heed the recommendations issued by the authorities,” the SMN emphasized.
First Pacific Storm to Make Landfall in Mexico
Tropical Storm Ileana is the first named cyclone of the 2024 Pacific hurricane season to reach Mexican soil. It emerged as a tropical storm on Thursday, gaining strength as it moved toward Baja California Sur.
Earlier this year, Mexican authorities predicted an active hurricane season with up to 41 named cyclones across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. At least five of these cyclones were expected to hit Mexican territory, a forecast that exceeds the annual average for both basins.
So far, three cyclones have made landfall in Mexico this year, all originating in the Atlantic. Hurricane Beryl and Storm Chris, both in July, did not result in fatalities. However, Storm Alberto, which struck in June, claimed six lives in Nuevo León, located on Mexico’s northern border.
As Tropical Storm Ileana approaches, emergency services and disaster preparedness teams in Baja California Sur and neighboring states are on high alert. Tourists and residents in the region have been advised to stay informed and follow any updates or evacuation notices issued by local authorities.
Baja California Sur is one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and bustling resort towns such as Cabo San Lucas. The arrival of Ileana could disrupt travel plans and impact tourism in the region, particularly as the storm coincides with the high season for visitors.
With the storm expected to bring significant rainfall and the potential for flash flooding and landslides, residents in low-lying areas and those living near rivers and streams are especially urged to stay vigilant and prepare for possible evacuations.
Authorities will continue to monitor the storm’s progression as it moves inland, with further updates expected throughout Friday as the situation develops.
For now, all eyes remain on Tropical Storm Ileana as it barrels toward Baja California Sur, carrying with it the threat of dangerous weather conditions and a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Mexico’s hurricane season.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Tropical Storm Ileana is set to make landfall in Baja California Sur this Friday, bringing heavy rains and high winds to one of Mexico's premier tourist destinations. The storm will be the first cyclone of the 2024 Pacific hurricane season to reach Mexican territory, causing authorities to issue warnings for the region.
