Tropical Storm Lorena Weakens but Flood Risks Persist in Mexico
MIAMI -- Tropical Storm Lorena has downgraded from hurricane status but continues to pose significant threats of flash flooding and mudslides across parts of Mexico's Baja California peninsula. As of Thursday morning, the storm exhibited maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. The storm was located approximately 125 miles (205 kilometers) west-southwest of Cabo San Lazaro, Mexico, and was moving northwest at a speed of 8 mph (13 kph).
While Lorena is expected to weaken further, forecasters warn that some areas in the Mexican states of Baja California Sur, Baja California, and Sonora could still experience isolated rainfall accumulations reaching up to 15 inches (38 centimeters). The risk of flash flooding and mudslides is anticipated to persist into Friday, prompting authorities to advise residents in the affected regions to closely monitor the storm's developments.
In the neighboring states of Arizona and New Mexico, the National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for potential heavy rainfall, with amounts expected to reach up to 5 inches (13 centimeters) and flash flood watches extending into Saturday.
As the storm's trajectory remains uncertain, current forecasts suggest it will continue to maintain an offshore position just west of the Baja California peninsula. By Friday night, Lorena is projected to transition into a remnant low.
In related developments, Hurricane Kiko remains a Category 4 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, with maximum sustained winds near 130 mph (215 kph). As of Thursday, Kiko was situated about 1,470 miles (2,365 kilometers) east of Hilo, Hawaii, and is moving westward at 9 mph (15 kph). Forecasters indicate that Kiko may experience fluctuations in intensity over the next few days, with an increasing risk of impacts for Hawaii anticipated next week. However, it remains too early to ascertain the specific location or intensity of these potential impacts.