Pacific Ocean's Hurricane Kiko fortifies into a Category 4, as reported by forecasters
Hurricane Lorena, currently a Category 1 hurricane, is expected to make landfall on the west coast of the Baja California Sur peninsula near the popular vacation resort area of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on Friday morning. The storm, which is traveling northwest at 15 mph (24 kph), is expected to weaken on Thursday and be a tropical storm by Friday as it nears land.
Residents of the Baja California peninsula and northwestern Mexico are being urged to monitor Hurricane Lorena's progress, as the storm could bring life-threatening rip currents, flash flooding, and mudslides to coastal areas. Rainfall totals from Hurricane Lorena could reach 15 inches (38 centimeters) in some places, increasing the risk of flooding.
Tropical storm warnings and watches are in effect for much of Baja California and parts of northwestern Mexico. Forecasters are advising residents to prepare for the possibility of power outages, road closures, and other disruptions.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Kiko, a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, is currently traveling west at 9 mph (15 kph) and is not expected to affect land at this time. The storm, which intensified into a major hurricane in the Pacific Ocean, is currently centered about 1,600 miles (2,580 kilometers) east of Hilo, Hawaii. No watches or warnings are associated with Hurricane Kiko.
Hurricane Lorena's maximum sustained winds are 80 mph (130 kph), while Hurricane Kiko's maximum sustained winds are 130 mph (215 kph). As of now, Hurricane Kiko is not expected to pose any hazards to land.
It is important for residents in the path of Hurricane Lorena to stay informed and follow any instructions from local authorities. Forecasters will continue to monitor both storms and provide updates as necessary.
