MIAMI – Hurricane Lorena has formed off the coast of Mexico‘s Baja California peninsula, prompting tropical storm warnings for portions of the area, the U.S. National Hurricane Center reported Wednesday. The storm’s development coincides with Hurricane Kiko‘s continued westward track over the Pacific Ocean, though Kiko currently poses no threat to land.
Lorena’s formation and potential for heavy rainfall - up to 15 inches (38 centimeters) – raise concerns about life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, especially in higher terrain across the baja California peninsula and southwestern Mexico. Residents in these areas are urged to closely monitor the storm’s progress as its path remains uncertain. Lorena is expected to strengthen in the next 24 hours, with maximum sustained winds currently at 75 mph (120 kph), and is moving northwest at 14 mph (22 kph). As of Wednesday,Lorena was located approximately 120 miles (195 kilometers) south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas,Mexico. Forecasters predict Lorena will weaken to a tropical storm by Friday.
Meanwhile, Hurricane kiko remains a Category 2 storm with 105 mph (169 kph) winds, traveling west over open Pacific waters about 1,700 miles (2,735 kilometers) east of Hilo, Hawaii. Forecasters anticipate steady strengthening, potentially elevating Kiko to a major hurricane. However, no watches or warnings are currently in effect for Kiko, and it is not expected to impact land areas.