PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – Residents and visitors of Baja California Sur, Mexico, should prepare for potentially hazardous weather conditions as Hurricane Hilary approaches. The National Meteorological Service has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for areas from Cabo San Lazaro to San Evaristo, signaling that tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours. The watch also extends southward along the Baja California peninsula. Authorities advise people to closely monitor the progress of Hilary, as additional watches or warnings will likely be required later today.
As of 6:00 AM MDT (12:00 UTC), Hurricane Hilary was located near latitude 15.2 North and longitude 107.1 West. The storm is moving west-northwest at a speed of 13 mph (20 km/h). This general motion is expected to continue through tonight, with a turn toward the northwest expected on Friday morning. The storm is then expected to take a north-northwest and northward turn on Saturday. Hilary is forecasted to approach the Baja California peninsula over the weekend.
Hilary has intensified, with maximum sustained winds now at 75 mph (120 km/h) and higher gusts. The storm is expected to undergo rapid strengthening, and it could become a major hurricane by tonight or early Friday. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles (115 km) from the center, and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 275 miles (445 km). The estimated minimum central pressure of the hurricane is 982 mb (29.00 inches).
The storm brings several hazards to land:
Wind: Tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area by Friday night or early Saturday.
Rainfall: Hilary is expected to produce rainfall of 3 to 6 inches, with isolated maximum amounts of 8 inches, across parts of the Baja California Peninsula through Monday morning. Flash flooding, potentially locally significant, is possible.
Surf: Large swells generated by Hilary will affect the coast of southwestern Mexico and the Baja California peninsula in the coming days. These swells may cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Residents and visitors are advised to consult products from local weather offices.
Additionally, heavy rainfall associated with Hilary is expected to impact the Southwestern United States from Friday through early next week, peaking on Sunday and Monday.
Authorities are urging residents and visitors in the affected areas to take necessary precautions, stay informed about the storm’s progress, and follow any evacuation orders or other instructions issued by local officials.
