Mexico: Hurricane Genevieve weakens as it approaches Baja California Sur August 19

Event

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) in its 21:00 (local time) update on Wednesday, August 19, has slightly downgraded Hurricane Genevieve's intensity as it continues to move closer to Baja California Sur. In the latest advisory, Genevieve is located 100 km (65 miles) south-southwest of Baja California Sur with maximum sustained winds of 140 kph (85 mph), placing it as a Category 1 hurricane. The hurricane is currently moving north-northwest at 11 kph (7 mph). A Hurricane Warning is in effect from Los Barriles to Todos Santos. While a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the west coast of the Baja California Peninsula from north of Todos Santos to Cabo San Lazaro.

A gradual weakening of the hurricane is expected from Thursday, August 20, through Friday, August 21.

A high surf warning will remain in effect throughout the storm's duration for the west-central coast of Mexico. Flash flooding is possible in Baja California Sur due to heavy rainfall. Strong winds, heavy rainfall and associated flooding, and dangerous seas are likely to affect Baja California Peninsula through Friday. Associated disruptions to transportation, power, communications, and business are to be expected in the near term. 

Advice

Those in areas forecast to be affected by the storm system are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm flight reservations, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and avoid walking or driving through floodwater.