Priscilla, the meteorological guest that no one asked for, arrives to ruin the weekend
It seems that nature, in its infinite wisdom, decided that what the Baja California Sur peninsula needed was not a quiet sunset, but a tumultuous bath accompanied by a facial massage with 140 km/h winds. Yes, we are talking about Tropical Storm Priscilla, which with the delicacy of an elephant in a china shop, is walking parallel to the coasts, threatening to turn the picturesque seawalls into disaster movie sets.
The National Meteorological Service (SMN), playing the role of that friend who warns you of the risks but whom no one pays attention to until it is too late, reported with all the seriousness in the world that this meteorological phenomenon was 335 kilometers west-southwest of Cabo San Lucas. And what does he have in his surprise case? Maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour and gusts of 140 km/h, enough to blow off not only the hats of tourists, but also any hope of a peaceful day at the beach. It travels northwest at 13 km/h, a speed that, ironically, is slower than that of the average tourist cyclist, proving that good things take time to do harm.
The gift of rain that no one wanted to unpack
Priscilla’s cloud detachments, because cyclones love to leave a trail of “memories”, will generate very heavy rains of 50 to 75 millimeters. Is it a lot? Let’s say that’s enough water for local drainage systems to seriously consider a general strike and for citizens to reconsider whether their car is amphibious or not. Accompanying this deluge, wind gusts of up to 80 km/h will arrive in the south of Baja California Sur, perfect for testing the aerodynamics of restaurant awnings and the support of flower pots on balconies.
Meanwhile, in coastal areas, the sea has decided to join the party with swells between five and six meters high. What does that equate to? Imagine stacking two city buses on top of each other and then imagining that mass of water coming towards you. An impressive spectacle, without a doubt, but one that is best enjoyed from a very, very high and very, very dry place. And if the situation were not picturesque enough, the authorities, with their usual optimism, foresee possible flooding, landslides and flooding in low areas. Come on, the perfect plan for a Sunday afternoon.
Priscilla’s tour of the Mexican Pacific
But why settle for bothering just one state when you can spread the fun? Priscilla, in a burst of generosity, has decided that Sinaloa and Nayarit also deserve a sample of her talent. There, intervals of showers and winds with gusts of up to 60 km/h are expected. It’s not that bad, just enough to ruin a baseball game or a family barbecue. Of course, the waves could reach up to 3.5 meters on the coasts of Sinaloa, Nayarit and Jalisco, and 2.5 meters in Colima. Nothing like a little foam and ocean fury to give excitement to sport fishing.
The rainfall could continue for the next few hours, because Priscilla is one of those guests who doesn’t know when to leave. As it slowly advances over the Pacific, it maintains adverse conditions for navigation. Translation: If you had a yacht ride planned, it might be time to reconsider and opt for a good documentary on the couch. The coastal communities of the southern peninsula are thus preparing for a day of intense coexistence with the elements, a reminder of who really rules the planet.
So now you know, Priscilla is not just a pretty name, it is a multi-sensory meteorological experience. The positive side? It will undoubtedly provide spectacular photographic material for social networks and a valid excuse to stay at home under a blanket. Nature, in its purest essence, reminds us with a blast of wind and water that, sometimes, the most fun plan is to have none.
Did you like this sarcastic tour of Priscilla’s fury? Don’t keep this informative gem: share it on your social networks and let your contacts also enjoy a bit of cyclonic humor. And of course, be sure to explore more related content to stay up to date with when nature decides to do its thing again.
