Kalpana Sharma
Updated on: October 11, 2024 1:35 pm GMT
Tropical Storm Ileana made landfall on Mexico’s Sinaloa coast Saturday, following a period of heavy rainfall that impacted the resort area of Los Cabos. Winds reaching 40 mph (65 kph) were reported as the storm approached, prompting local authorities to take precautionary measures to ensure safety and minimize disruption.
Storm Formation and Impact on Los Cabos
Tropical Storm Ileana formed off Mexico’s Pacific coast on Thursday and quickly escalated on a trajectory that influenced the popular tourist destinations of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. According to the National Hurricane Center, Ileana was situated approximately 240 miles (385 kilometers) south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas at its peak intensity.
As the storm developed, a tropical storm warning was issued for portions of the Baja California Peninsula, leading to proactive measures being taken by local authorities. Juan Manuel Arce Ortega, a representative of Los Cabos Civil Protection, reported the suspension of classes in schools across the municipalities of La Paz and Los Cabos.
Preparedness Efforts
In anticipation of the heavy rains and potential flooding, officials prepared 20 temporary shelters in the area. The measures were part of a concerted effort to protect both residents and visitors from the storm’s effects. Despite the downpour, many guests remained calm at local resorts, enjoying coffee and maintaining a measured response to the weather conditions.
Alan Galvan, a valet worker at the Hacienda Beach Club and Residences in Cabo San Lucas, noted that while the rain began late Thursday night, guests were largely unfazed. “The rain isn’t very strong right now, but the waves are choppy,” Galvan reported, indicating a level of normalcy amidst the storm. Some flight cancellations occurred, but disturbances were limited.
Ongoing Weather Conditions and Predictions
As Tropical Storm Ileana continued its path, it made landfall near the coastal city of Topolobampo in Sinaloa, where it began to weaken into a tropical depression. The storm was moving north at a speed of 6 mph (9 kph), with forecasts suggesting it would traverse the Gulf of California nearby the coast. Heavy rain was projected, with forecasters estimating total accumulations of 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) possible along the Baja California Peninsula.
By Saturday, the storms had led to several instances of road flooding in Los Cabos, prompting resort managers to implement flood prevention methods, such as sandbag placements. Lyzzette Liceaga, a local tour operator, emphasized the need to prioritize worker safety, particularly for those living in risk-prone areas.
Regional Context
Ileana represented the only active tropical storm in the National Weather Service’s Eastern Pacific basin during its formation. Meanwhile in the Atlantic basin, post-tropical cyclone Francine was causing significant rainfall in parts of the southern United States, while Tropical Storm Gordon formed in the Atlantic Ocean, remaining over open waters without immediate threat to land.
Conclusion of Tropical Threat
As the storm starts to fade away, local governments are keeping a close eye on the situation to keep everyone safe, including both residents and visitors. The hard work of local leaders and the watchful eyes of the community show how strong they are when faced with tough times. Even though the storm named Ileana is losing power, its impact on the area might stick around for a while as people deal with the heavy rain and get ready to recover.
