Now Two Hurricanes Off Coast of Mexico

While it’s true that Hurricane Norbert should be making landfall near Bahia Santa Maria, Baja, tomorrow at about noon, and then continue across the Baja Peninsula to near Loreto, the good news is that it’s been downgraded from a Category 1 to a Category 3 hurricane. Having slowed down somewhat, however, there is a chance it might intensify back to a Category 2 before making landfall. But also on the good side, it will also have to cross over the towering Sierra Gigantica mountains before reaching evenly lightly populated areas of Baja, which should knock 10 to 20 knots off its windspeed. However, Norbert‘s dangers will not just be limited to the wind and seas, as it’s supposed to dump six to 10 inches of rain on the Baja Peninsula, causing extensive flash flooding.

As is the case with all hurricanes, Norbert’s path is subject to change, so everyone from La Paz to north of Concepción Bay, and over near Los Mochis on the mainland, needs to make careful preparations. Our thoughts are with all of you in the hurricane’s path.

While not yet a hurricane, Tropical Storm Odile is blowing at about 50 knots off the coast of Acapulco on the Mexican mainland. The good news is that it looks as though it will continue to stay offshore, and will only reach hurricane force for a brief time. It’s nonetheless early, and this storm will require monitoring for the next several days.