MEXICO CITY — MEXICO CITY (AP) — Tropical Storm Ileana forced residents and tourists in Mexico’s resort-studded Los Cabos to stay inside as rain pounded the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula.
Ileana moved Saturday northward over the southern Gulf of California at 9mph (15 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. It was about 75 miles (115 km) north-northeast of Cabo San Lucas with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph), the center said.
A tropical storm warning was in effect for portions of the Baja California Peninsula, including Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Forecasters predicted 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) of rain would fall with Ileana, and up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) was possible for coastal areas of Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco states through Friday.
Tropical storm conditions are expected to begin in portions of Baja California Sur during the next several hours where Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect. This heavy rainfall will bring a risk of flash flooding and mudslides to portions of western Mexico and southern Baja California.
Juan Manuel Arce Ortega, from Los Cabos Civil Protection, said, “The entire municipalities of La Paz and Los Cabos are already on red alert. This means that efforts are already underway to inform the population, as well as the implementation (of measures) and evacuation to temporary shelters.”
They also urged residents to avoid crossing rivers, streams, and low areas where they can be swept away by water.
All schools in Los Cabos were also suspended Friday due to the storm.
Óscar Cruces Rodríguez of Mexico’s federal Civil Protection said in a statement that residents should avoid leaving their homes until the storm passes and if residents are in an area at risk of flooding to find temporary shelters.
Authorities prepared 20 temporary shelters in San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, according to Los Cabos Civil Protection.
At the Hacienda Beach Club and Residences in Cabo San Lucas, valet worker Alan Galvan said the rain arrived late Thursday night and has been constant. “The rain isn’t very strong right now, but the waves are choppy,” he said.
“The guests are very calm and already came down for coffee,” Galvan said. “There’s some flights canceled but everything is ok at the moment.” Galvan said they are awaiting further advisories from authorities.
Rain remained consistent through Los Cabos Friday afternoon, with several roads flooded and some resorts stacking up sandbags on their perimeters. Some people were still walking around boat docks with their umbrellas.
“The priority has to be safety, starting with the workers. We always have to check on our colleagues who live in risk areas,” said Lyzzette Liceaga, a tour operator at Los Cabos.
We give them the information shared by the authorities — firefighters in risk areas — so that they can go to the shelters if necessary,” she added.
Tropical Storm Ileana has been making its way northward over the Southern Gulf of California, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region. The storm, which formed off the coast of Mexico earlier this week, has been steadily moving towards the Baja California peninsula, prompting warnings from meteorologists and local authorities.
The National Hurricane Center has been closely monitoring Tropical Storm Ileana as it continues to gain strength over the warm waters of the Gulf of California. The storm is expected to bring torrential rainfall to parts of western Mexico and the Baja California peninsula, with some areas potentially seeing up to 10 inches of rain in a short period of time.
In addition to heavy rainfall, Tropical Storm Ileana is also expected to bring strong winds to the region, with gusts of up to 60 mph possible along the coast. These strong winds could lead to power outages, downed trees, and other damage in affected areas.
Local authorities have been urging residents in the path of Tropical Storm Ileana to take precautions and prepare for the storm. This includes securing loose outdoor items, stocking up on emergency supplies, and staying informed about the latest weather updates.
In addition to the immediate impacts of heavy rainfall and strong winds, Tropical Storm Ileana could also lead to dangerous flooding and mudslides in some areas. Residents living in flood-prone areas are being advised to evacuate if necessary and seek higher ground.
As Tropical Storm Ileana continues to move northward over the Southern Gulf of California, it is important for residents in affected areas to stay vigilant and heed warnings from local authorities. By taking necessary precautions and staying informed, individuals can help ensure their safety and the safety of their loved ones during this potentially dangerous weather event.
