Hurricane Lorena Gains Strength, Threatening Baja California with Heavy Rain and Flooding
As of early Wednesday, two hurricanes were churning across the Pacific Ocean, with Hurricane Lorena posing a potential threat to Mexico’s Baja California peninsula later in the week. Forecasters warn that while Lorena could make landfall as a tropical storm, it may still bring heavy rain, flash floods, and dangerous mudslides to parts of the region.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami reported that Hurricane Lorena had just reached hurricane strength, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, the minimum required for hurricane status. The center also noted that rapid intensification is expected through Wednesday night, though Lorena is likely to begin weakening by Thursday and could downgrade back to a tropical storm by Friday.
As of Wednesday morning, Lorena was positioned south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, moving parallel to the Baja California peninsula. Satellite imagery clearly shows the storm’s well-defined structure over the Pacific.
Meanwhile, a second Pacific hurricane, Kiko, is significantly stronger, with winds of 105 mph, making it a Category 2 storm. Kiko is forecast to strengthen into a major hurricane (Category 3) later in the day, with winds potentially reaching 111–129 mph. However, Kiko remains far from land and is not currently expected to pose a threat to Mexico.
Forecast Path of Hurricane Lorena
According to the NHC, Lorena is projected to track parallel to the western coast of Baja California on Wednesday and Thursday, before approaching the coast Thursday night into Friday. Maps released by the hurricane center illustrate this trajectory, highlighting areas at greatest risk.
Warnings Issued
The Mexican government has issued tropical storm warnings for Baja California Sur’s west coast, stretching from Santa Fe to Cabo San Lazaro. Additionally, a tropical storm watch is in effect for areas north of Cabo San Lazaro up to Punta Abreojos.
Potential Impacts
The NHC forecasts that parts of Baja California Sur and far southeastern Baja California could receive 5 to 10 inches of rainfall, with localized areas potentially seeing up to 15 inches by Friday. The combination of heavy rainfall and mountainous terrain increases the risk of life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
Residents in affected areas are being urged to remain vigilant, monitor updates, and prepare for severe weather conditions as Hurricane Lorena moves closer to land.
