Hurricane Priscilla Intensifies Near Mexico's West Coast

Hurricane Priscilla intensified significantly on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, approaching Category 3 status as it tracked along Mexico's Pacific coastline. The powerful storm system developed maximum sustained winds of approximately 175 kilometers per hour (110 miles per hour), positioning it just below major hurricane classification according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. The hurricane's development highlights the ongoing activity in the 2025 Pacific hurricane season, with multiple storm systems active across ocean basins.

Storm Position and Movement

As of Tuesday afternoon, Hurricane Priscilla was centered approximately 525 kilometers (330 miles) west of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico, and about 345 kilometers (215 miles) south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. The storm maintained a west-northwest trajectory at approximately 15 kilometers per hour (9 miles per hour), bringing its outer rain bands across the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. This movement pattern placed coastal communities at risk from the storm's effects even before potential landfall.

Precautionary Measures and Impacts

Mexican authorities implemented several precautionary measures in response to Priscilla's approach. The government of Baja California Sur announced the cancellation of classes at all educational institutions starting Tuesday in Los Cabos and La Paz as a preventive safety measure. Additionally, authorities established approximately twelve shelters in Los Cabos specifically for residents living in high-risk areas vulnerable to flooding and storm surge.

Atlantic Development: Tropical Storm Jerry

While Priscilla dominated Pacific weather concerns, the Atlantic basin saw the formation of Tropical Storm Jerry on the same day. Jerry developed maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour) and was positioned approximately 1,920 kilometers (1,190 miles) east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands. Forecasters projected that Jerry would likely strengthen into a hurricane within the next 24-48 hours, with potential impacts on Caribbean islands later in the week.

Forecast and Expected Weakening

Meteorological projections indicated that Hurricane Priscilla would begin weakening starting Wednesday, though the storm still posed significant threats to coastal regions. The hurricane center noted that parts of southwestern Mexico could experience rainfall totals up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) through Wednesday, creating flash flooding risks in Michoacán and Colima states. Additionally, dangerous surf conditions and life-threatening rip currents were expected along affected coastal areas as swells from Priscilla reached shorelines.

The simultaneous development of Hurricane Priscilla in the Pacific and Tropical Storm Jerry in the Atlantic demonstrates the broad geographic scope of tropical cyclone activity during the 2025 hurricane season. Both storm systems required coordinated monitoring and response efforts from meteorological agencies and emergency management organizations across multiple countries and regions.