Tropical Storm Priscilla Gains Strength in the Pacific

Tropical Storm Priscilla formed on Saturday off Mexico's western shoreline, threatening the region with hazardous surf and potential flooding.

Strengthening over the Pacific on Sunday morning, Priscilla is expected to move parallel to Mexico's coastline with warnings extending from Jalisco to the Baja California peninsula.

When there's a possibility of tropical storm conditions within 48 hours, a watch is issued for that area, as noted by the hurricane center.

Priscilla's path is projected to stay offshore of southwestern Mexico through the start of the week, maintaining a trajectory alongside the coast.

Early Sunday advisories suggested Priscilla could escalate to hurricane status by day's end, with further intensification expected shortly thereafter.

As of 7 a.m. Eastern, Priscilla was approximately 295 miles south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, near Puerto Vallarta, and about 495 miles south-southeast of Baja California's southern tip. The storm moves north-northwest at 5 mph with sustained winds at 65 mph, just below hurricane strength.

Despite forecasts indicating no direct landfall, tropical storm conditions—such as strong winds—could impact areas under watch on Sunday and Monday.

Heavy rainfall, with potential for flash flooding, is predicted in parts of southwestern Mexico through Monday.

Expected rainfall in coastal Michoacán and far western Guerrero ranges from 4 to 6 inches, with localized amounts possibly reaching 8 inches. In Colima, western Jalisco, and Guerrero's coast, expect 2 to 4 inches of rain, posing a flash flood threat, particularly in elevated regions.

Priscilla may induce dangerous surf and rip currents along southwestern Mexico's coast and the Baja California peninsula. Effects were already evident Sunday, with forecasts projecting expanded impacts by Monday.