Hurricane Norma Strengthens to Category 3, Targets Baja California Sur

Hurricane Norma has intensified, reaching Category 3 status, and is headed for Baja California Sur in Mexico. This comes as the region faces its third major storm in the past two weeks, heightening concerns for residents and authorities. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Norma’s latest update confirms that it is expected to make landfall on Saturday in Baja California Sur. The NHC issued a hurricane warning for the area, specifically from Todos Santos to Los Barriles. Additionally, tropical-storm warnings and watches are in effect for Santa Fe, San Evaristo, Las Islas Marias, and Topolobampo. The capital city of La Paz is also likely to be impacted by Norma’s arrival. The NHC predicts that Norma will move over the southern part of Baja California Sur before heading towards Mexico’s west coast on Sunday and Monday. By Monday, Norma is expected to make landfall within the tropical storm watch area. As the hurricane approaches, the region will experience strong winds, with speeds of up to 39 miles per hour anticipated on Saturday. Heavy rainfall is also a concern, with the NHC forecasting 5 to 10 inches of rain and local maximums of up to 15 inches across southern Baja California Sur and parts of Sinaloa. The weather service warns of potential flash flooding in urban areas and mudslides in hilly terrains. Coastal areas are at risk of storm surge and flooding, particularly in the onshore winds within the hurricane warning area. Dangerous waves are expected to accompany the surge, posing additional threats to coastal communities. In response to the approaching storm, Baja California Sur Governor Víctor Manuel Castro Cosío has urged residents to stay at home, emphasizing their safety. He has advised against leaving homes after six or seven in the evening. While Texas is expected to be affected by Norma, it is likely to be on a smaller scale. The NHC states that Norma will make a northward turn on Saturday, followed by a slower northeastward to east-northeastward motion. As the storm moves over Mexico, it is anticipated to bring some rainfall to parts of Texas, although it is not expected to be significant. Meteorologists suggest that the impact on Texas will primarily be in the form of post-tropical rainfall. However, it is worth noting that a previous Hurricane Norma in 1981 caused substantial damage and rainfall in the state, leading to millions of dollars in losses. As the situation develops, authorities and residents in both Baja California Sur and Texas will closely monitor Hurricane Norma and take necessary precautions to mitigate its effects.