Category 2 Hurricane Priscilla creating dangerous surf along the Mexican coast
Hurricane Priscilla is maintaining Category 2 strength on October 7, 2025, and is producing dangerous surf conditions along the Mexican coast. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Baja California Sur from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lázaro.
Satellite image of Hurricane Priscilla at 00:00 UTC on October 8, 2025. Credit: NOAA/GOES-East, RAMMB/CIRA, The Watchers
At 23:00 MST (06:00 UTC) on October 7, 2025, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Hurricane Priscilla was centered about 635 km (395 miles) west of Cabo Corrientes and 295 km (185 miles) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.
The storm maintained Category 2 intensity, with maximum sustained winds of 165 km/h (105 mph) and gusts to 205 km/h (125 mph). Minimum central pressure was estimated at 969 hPa. Priscilla was moving northwest at 15 km/h (9 mph).
Hurricane-force winds extended outward up to 75 km (45 miles) from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds reached 315 km (195 miles).
Priscilla is forecast to continue moving roughly parallel to the coast of southwestern Mexico and Baja California Sur for the next two days before turning northward over cooler waters. Some additional strengthening is possible, and the hurricane could reach major intensity before gradually weakening later in the week.
A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Baja California Sur from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lázaro. Authorities advised residents to monitor official updates and prepare for possible tropical-storm-force winds and heavy rain. Municipal officials in Los Cabos and La Paz suspended classes and opened temporary shelters in low-lying and coastal areas.
Rainfall totals of 25–50 mm (1–2 inches) with localized amounts up to 100 mm (4 inches) are forecast for southern Baja California Sur and portions of west-central Mexico. These amounts may produce flash flooding and landslides in mountainous terrain.
Large swells generated by Priscilla are impacting the coasts of southwestern and west-central Mexico and the Baja California peninsula. These swells are expected to create life-threatening surf and rip currents through the week. Maritime operations and recreational activities along affected coastal zones are discouraged until conditions improve.
The storm is expected to begin weakening later in the week as it moves over cooler waters and into a less favorable environment with increasing vertical wind shear. By Friday, the system is forecast to lose hurricane strength while remaining offshore.
Emergency management priorities include monitoring rainfall and flash-flood zones, pre-positioning response assets in Los Cabos and La Paz, and maintaining communication with federal and local agencies for rapid public updates.
1 Hurricane Priscilla Intermediate Advisory Number 14A – NHC – October 8, 2025
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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