Hurricane Norma Makes Landfall in Los Cabos, Mexico: Updates on Category 1 Storm and Potential Impacts
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Hurricane Norma Makes Landfall in Mexico
Hurricane Norma has reached the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, near the resorts of Los Cabos. The storm, which was previously a Category 4 hurricane, has weakened to a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 80 mph (130 kph). It made landfall just south of Todos Santos. Norma is expected to continue weakening as it moves into the Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California.
Potential Impact on Baja and Sinaloa
Norma is projected to bring heavy rains and the possibility of flash floods to Baja, and it may also affect the mainland coastal state of Sinaloa as a tropical storm. While hotels in Los Cabos are still hosting tourists, shelters have been set up at local schools in case of emergency.
Preparations and Evacuations
Residents in Los Cabos resorts have been rushing to prepare for the approaching storm. Businesses in Cabo San Lucas have been securing their windows with plywood, and government personnel have put up banners warning against crossing gullies and stream beds. Emergency workers have been evacuating people from low-lying areas and moving them to shelters.
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Path and Potential Flooding
The current forecast predicts Norma to weaken further and head towards the mainland of Mexico’s western Pacific coast as a tropical storm. However, the slow pace of the storm raises concerns of severe flooding. Southern Baja California and Sinaloa state may experience rainfall of six to 12 inches, with some areas receiving up to 18 inches. Shelters in Baja California Sur are currently housing approximately 1,500 people.
Hurricane Tammy Threatens the Caribbean
In the Atlantic, Hurricane Tammy poses a threat to the islands of the Lesser Antilles. With winds of 85 mph (140 kph), Tammy is moving northwest and hurricane warnings have been issued for several islands including Guadeloupe, Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, and St. Kitts and Nevis. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and flooding to the area.
Preparing for Tammy in Antigua and Barbuda
Residents of Antigua and Barbuda are preparing for Hurricane Tammy’s arrival, following the recent damage caused by Tropical Storm Phillippe. The slow-moving system is forecasted to bring up to 12 inches of rain, which could lead to further flooding in the already saturated islands. Prime Minister Gaston Browne has urged residents to secure their lives and property.
Local disaster management officials have announced plans to open approximately 40 shelters throughout the country in response to the impending storm.