Hurricane Norma Strikes Baja California Sur, Threatening Cabo San Lucas
On Saturday, Hurricane Norma made landfall in Baja California Sur, Mexico as a Category 1 storm with sustained winds of 80 mph. The popular tourist area of Cabo San Lucas is under threat from destructive winds, flash flooding, and dangerous storm surge.
Weather authorities warn that heavy rainfall and flooding are also expected, with potential rainfall totals of up to 18 inches. Although not a threat to the US mainland, Norma’s impact could be devastating for the region.
Meanwhile, in the Atlantic, Hurricane Tammy has formed and triggered hurricane warnings, strong winds, and heavy rainfall in the Leeward Islands. Tammy, also a Category 1 storm, boasts wind speeds of 85 mph and is predicted to move north of the northern Leeward Islands on Sunday.
This uncommon occurrence for late October raises concern, as Tammy is only the third hurricane to form in this area since 1900. Like Norma, Tammy is not expected to affect the US mainland but poses a significant threat in the Leeward Islands.
Storm surge, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding are the primary concerns prompted by Tammy in the Leeward Islands. Weather experts predict rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches, with certain areas potentially experiencing up to a foot of rain.
Thankfully, both Norma and Tammy are expected to weaken and move away from their respective regions as conditions improve. Norma is forecasted to leave the Baja California Sur area late Sunday, while Tammy is predicted to head north out of the Leeward Islands.
It is worth noting that this year’s unusually warm Atlantic Ocean has facilitated the formation of hurricanes in atypical areas during the later part of the hurricane season. With only two storm names, Vince and Whitney, remaining on the standard Atlantic storm name list before the hurricane center transitions to an alternate list, concerns about future storms persist.
Stay up to date with the latest weather advisories and follow the guidance of officials to ensure your safety during the hurricane season.
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