Tropical Storm Lidia to Strike Los Cabos, Mexico, This Week; Could Become a Hurricane

Linda Lam
Published: August 30,2017
Tropical Storm Lidia is expected to bring portions of the Baja California Peninsula tropical storm and possibly hurricane conditions late this week.
(MORE: Hurricane Central)
Lidia is sitting in an area favorable for intensification in the eastern Pacific, just over 150 miles south-southeast of the southern tip of Baja California. Warm water temperatures and low vertical wind shear are in place and may assist this system in becoming a hurricane prior to landfall on Baja California.

Current Storm Status

A hurricane watch has been issued for Baja California Sur from Puerto Cortes to east of La Paz. A tropical storm watch is in effect for Baja California Sur from north of San Evaristo to Loreto and also from north of Puerto Cortes to Puerto San Andresito. A tropical storm warning has been issued for Baja California Sur from Puerto Cortes to San Evaristo and also for mainland Mexico from Bahia Tempehuaya to Huatabampito.
A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours, and a tropical storm warning indicates tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours.

Current Watches and Warnings

A track to the north-northwest is expected to continue into late this week. This path will take Lidia toward Los Cabos, Mexico, where gusty winds and heavy rain will likely begin by early Thursday. Hurricane conditions are possible late Thursday at the southern tip of Baja California Sur. Impacts may continue into Saturday before it moves away from land.

Projected Path and Intensity

Rainfall accumulations of 8 to 12 inches are expected across the Mexican states of Baja California Sur and western Jalisco, with locally higher amounts up to 20 inches possible. In the Mexican states of Sinaloa, Nayarit, Colima, southern Michoacan, southern Sonora and central Jalisco, rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches are possible.
This heavy rainfall may result in life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides.
In addition, a dangerous storm surge is expected to produce significant coastal flooding near and east of the center of this system over the southern portion of Baja California Sur.
High surf and dangerous rip currents are also anticipated.
There is a small chance some of the moisture associated with this system could enhance thunderstorm activity in parts of the Desert Southwest this weekend.
(MORE: How Eastern Pacific Storms Can Impact the U.S.)
By this weekend, Lidia will begin to weaken as it interacts with land and cooler water temperatures west of the Baja California Peninsula.

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