Hurricane Priscilla, once a powerful system spinning off the coast of Mexico, has left a trail of disruption across the Southwest, with its remnants now threatening flash floods, road closures, and even rare thunderstorms in Southern California.
From Mexico’s Coast to the American Southwest: Priscilla’s Path of Destruction
What started as a hurricane off Mexico’s Pacific coast quickly became a multi-state weather event. Heavy rainfall from Priscilla battered southwestern Mexico, saturating the ground and raising the risk of landslides and dangerous road conditions. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued a weather alert, warning that the region’s already waterlogged conditions could worsen, especially with more rain on the way from subsequent storms.
Arizona and New Mexico: Floods and Road Closures
As Priscilla’s remnants moved north, Arizona was hit with widespread rain, peaking around October 10 and 12. The Phoenix area saw rainfall totals exceeding 2 inches—an unusually high amount for the region—leading to flash floods and road closures that disrupted travel and daily life.
New Mexico wasn’t spared either. The storm’s leftovers triggered flash floods across the state, overwhelming drainage systems and prompting emergency responses in several communities. Residents were urged to stay alert for rapidly changing conditions and to avoid flooded roadways.
Southern California Braces for Thunderstorms
Now, all eyes are on Southern California. Meteorologists warn that as Priscilla’s moisture continues to drift north, it will bring a chance of showers and thunderstorms to the region on Thursday and Friday. This is a rare event for SoCal in October, and local forecasters are urging residents to prepare for possible downpours and localized flooding.
What’s Next? Expert Insights and Safety Tips
Weather experts emphasize that while Priscilla is no longer a hurricane, its lingering moisture can still pack a punch. The risk of flash flooding remains high in areas with saturated ground, especially in parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and southwestern Mexico.
Key safety tips:- Avoid driving through flooded roads—turn around, don’t drown.
- Monitor local weather alerts and heed evacuation orders if issued.
- Prepare for possible power outages and have emergency supplies ready.
The Bigger Picture: Climate and Extreme Weather
Hurricane Priscilla’s journey is a stark reminder of how tropical systems can impact regions far from their origin. As climate patterns shift, meteorologists warn that such events may become more frequent, bringing unusual weather to places like the desert Southwest and Southern California.
Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops, and keep an eye on official weather channels for the latest alerts.
Sources
1. Hurricane Priscilla to bring chance of thunderstorms to SoCal
2. https://analytics.usa.gov/data/state/top-100000-pa...
3. Weather Alert: Tropical Storm Raymond Could Worsen SW Mexico's Waterlogged Conditions Following Hurricane Priscilla
4. Remnants of Hurricane Priscilla storm Arizona brings widespread rain and road closures
5. Remnants of Priscilla trigger flash floods in New Mexico, U.S.
