Tropical Storm Jerry Strengthens; Priscilla Downgraded Near Mexico

UPDATE: Tropical Storm Jerry has just strengthened as it advances toward the Leeward Islands, while Tropical Storm Priscilla has lost its hurricane status and is now impacting Mexico’s Baja California. This is a developing situation as both storms pose serious weather threats.

As of October 5, 2023, Tropical Storm Priscilla was centered approximately 255 miles (410 kilometers) west of the southern tip of Baja California, moving northwest at 9 mph (14 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (96 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). The storm is bringing hazardous surf and gusty winds to Baja California Sur, prompting a tropical storm watch from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lazaro.

Heavy rainfall and flash flooding are anticipated as Priscilla continues its path along the Pacific coast of Mexico and into the U.S. Southwest this weekend. The NHC warns that residents should prepare for potential flooding and rough seas.

In the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Jerry is rapidly gaining strength. It was located about 440 miles (708 kilometers) east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands, moving west-northwest at 18 mph (29 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (105 kph). Jerry is expected to gradually strengthen and could reach hurricane status by this weekend.

Forecasters predict that from Thursday into early Friday, the Leeward Islands could receive 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) of rain, which raises concerns for flash flooding. A tropical storm watch is currently in effect for multiple islands, including Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, St. Barts, St. Martin, Saba, and Guadeloupe.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Octave is weakening in the Pacific, located about 515 miles (829 kilometers) south-southwest of Baja California with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (72 kph). While it is moving east-northeast at 17 mph (27 kph), Octave poses no threat to land and is expected to dissipate soon.

As these storms impact various regions, residents are urged to stay updated through local weather reports and prepare for rapidly changing conditions. The NHC continues to monitor both storms closely, and further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

Stay tuned for more urgent weather updates as this story unfolds.