PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – Hurricane Hilary has intensified to a category 2 storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced on Thursday. The powerful cyclone is currently swirling in the waters of the Mexican Pacific, around 850 km from the popular tourist destination of Cabo San Lucas on the Baja California peninsula.
The NHC reported that Hilary is packing maximum sustained winds of 165 km/h and is moving at a speed of 22 km/h in a northwesterly direction. The hurricane is expected to approach the Baja California peninsula over the weekend.
The Mexican Weather Service has warned that Hilary will bring very heavy rains, gusty winds, and high waves to the south and west of the country, including in Puerto Vallarta. Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of residents and tourists.
Mexico is no stranger to tropical cyclones, experiencing a number of storms on both its Pacific and Atlantic coasts every year, usually between May and November. The country’s geographical location makes it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of these weather systems. In response, Mexico has developed extensive emergency management protocols to handle such situations.
Authorities are advising residents in the affected areas to prepare for the incoming storm by securing their properties, avoiding coastal areas, and following evacuation orders if issued. Tourists planning to visit Cabo San Lucas and other potentially affected regions are advised to check for updates and travel advisories.
