Tropical Storm Ileana made landfall on the coast of the Mexican state of Sinaloa on Saturday, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to the region. The storm struck near the coastal city of Topolobampo, just a day after pounding the resort-studded areas of Los Cabos.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Ileana formed on Thursday off Mexico’s Pacific coast and was packing winds of 40 miles per hour (65 kilometers per hour) as it moved ashore. By late Saturday, the storm was located about 15 miles (25 kilometers) south-southeast of Los Mochis.
Forecasters predict that Ileana will churn over the coastal region of northern Sinaloa during the next several hours before moving over the Gulf of California on Sunday, weakening into a tropical depression as it parallels the coast.
Preparations and Precautions
In anticipation of the storm, authorities in the municipalities of La Paz and Los Cabos suspended classes in schools. Juan Manuel Arce Ortega from Los Cabos Civil Protection highlighted the measures taken, stating that 20 temporary shelters were prepared in San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas to ensure the safety of residents.
Alan Galvan, a valet worker at the Hacienda Beach Club and Residences in Cabo San Lucas, described the scene: “The rain isn’t very strong right now, but the waves are choppy. The guests are very calm and already came down for coffee. There’s some flights canceled, but everything is okay at the moment.”
The consistent rainfall led to several flooded roads, and some resorts took precautions by stacking sandbags around their perimeters. Despite the weather conditions, locals and tourists were seen navigating the boat docks with umbrellas in hand.
Community Response
Lyzzette Liceaga, a tour operator in Los Cabos, emphasized the importance of safety: “The priority has to be safety, starting with the workers. We always have to check on our colleagues who live in risk areas.”
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents and visitors to stay informed and adhere to safety advisories.
Broader Weather Activity
While Ileana was the only active tropical storm in the National Weather Service’s Eastern Pacific basin on Friday, other weather systems were developing. In the Atlantic basin, post-tropical cyclone Francine was bringing heavy rain to parts of the southern United States. Additionally, Tropical Storm Gordon formed on Friday in the Atlantic Ocean, with forecasters expecting it to remain over open water for several days.
As weather patterns continue to evolve, forecasters advise caution and preparedness for those in affected areas.
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Tropical Storm Ileana makes landfall on Mexico's Sinaloa coast
cgtn.com
