Mexico: Lorena moves towards Baja California Sur September 19 /update 3

Event

Mexico’s National Meteorological Service has issued various severe weather warnings for Baja California Sur as Tropical Storm Lorena is expected to strengthen back to a hurricane before making landfall on Friday, September 20. A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Baja California peninsula from La Paz to Puerto Cortes and a Hurricane Watch has been issued from the East coast of the Baja California peninsula north of La Paz to San Evaristo. Tropical Storm Watches are in place from San Evaristo to Loreto and from Puerto Cortes to Puerto San Andresito. Heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous swell are expected along coastal areas of the Baja California peninsula through Monday, September 23. 

As of 22:00 (local time) on Thursday, September 19, Lorena is located at approximately 22.3°N 107.7°W (map here). The storm has maximum sustained winds of 110 kph (68 mph) and is moving northwest at 17 kph (11 mph).

Life-threatening flash flooding, damaging winds, and high storm surge are likely throughout the Baja California peninsula. Associated power outages and disruptions to transportation and business services are possible in areas forecast to be affected by the system over the coming days.

Advice

Individuals in areas forecast to be affected by the storm 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 remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.