Priscilla strengthens into hurricane in the Pacific Ocean off Mexico’s coast

Hurricane Priscilla has strengthened into a Category 1 storm in the Pacific, with 75 mph sustained winds, located 290 miles south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes and tracking north-northwest. The storm is forecast to bring heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and potential flash flooding to coastal southwestern Mexico, with a tropical storm watch issued for parts of the coast and life-threatening surf expected. This signals potential disruptions to regional infrastructure, tourism, and economic activity in affected areas.

Analysis

By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/priscilla-strengthens-into-hurricane-in-the-pacific-ocean-off-mexicos-coast Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Priscilla strengthens into hurricane in the Pacific Ocean off Mexico’s coast World Oct 5, 2025 8:04 PM EDT MIAMI (AP) — Hurricane Priscilla has formed in the Pacific Ocean off the southwestern coast of Mexico, with heavy rain and gusty winds affecting coastal areas. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center said Sunday that Priscilla’s maximum sustained winds were 75 mph (120 kph) and that the storm was located about 290 miles (470 kilometers) south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes. It was headed north-northwest at 3 mph (6 kph). READ MORE: Tropical Storm Priscilla forms in the Pacific Ocean off Mexico’s southwestern coast The center says heavy rainfall and gusty winds are affecting coastal southwestern Mexico with flash flooding possible. Swells generated by Priscilla are affecting parts of the coast in the region and will reach some coastal areas in western and central Mexico and southern Baja California by Monday. The swells are expected to create life-threatening surf and rip currents. A tropical storm watch was issued for part of the coast of southwestern Mexico, from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita, with tropical storm conditions in the area Sunday and Monday. Rainfall of up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) was possible. Another storm well off Mexico in the Pacific, Octave, became a hurricane Sunday with no landfall in the forecast and no coastal watches or warnings. Its top winds were near 80 mph (130 kph), and the hurricane center said it was expected to gradually weaken on Monday. It was located about 995 miles (1,600 kilometers) west-southwest of Baja California’s southern tip and was moving northeast at 6 mph (9 kph). A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press MIAMI (AP) — Hurricane Priscilla has formed in the Pacific Ocean off the southwestern coast of Mexico, with heavy rain and gusty winds affecting coastal areas. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center said Sunday that Priscilla’s maximum sustained winds were 75 mph (120 kph) and that the storm was located about 290 miles (470 kilometers) south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes. It was headed north-northwest at 3 mph (6 kph). READ MORE: Tropical Storm Priscilla forms in the Pacific Ocean off Mexico’s southwestern coast The center says heavy rainfall and gusty winds are affecting coastal southwestern Mexico with flash flooding possible. Swells generated by Priscilla are affecting parts of the coast in the region and will reach some coastal areas in western and central Mexico and southern Baja California by Monday. The swells are expected to create life-threatening surf and rip currents. A tropical storm watch was issued for part of the coast of southwestern Mexico, from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita, with tropical storm conditions in the area Sunday and Monday. Rainfall of up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) was possible. Another storm well off Mexico in the Pacific, Octave, became a hurricane Sunday with no landfall in the forecast and no coastal watches or warnings. Its top winds were near 80 mph (130 kph), and the hurricane center said it was expected to gradually weaken on Monday. It was located about 995 miles (1,600 kilometers) west-southwest of Baja California’s southern tip and was moving northeast at 6 mph (9 kph). A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now Hurricane Priscilla has developed into a Category 1 storm in the Pacific, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, and is positioned 290 miles south-southwest of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico. The storm's slow north-northwesterly movement at 3 mph increases the risk of prolonged heavy rainfall, with up to 6 inches possible, leading to potential flash flooding in coastal southwestern Mexico. A tropical storm watch is currently in effect for the coast from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita, indicating imminent operational disruptions. The primary economic threat stems from life-threatening surf and rip currents, which are expected to impact coastal areas in southwestern, western, and central Mexico, as well as southern Baja California. These conditions directly endanger the region's tourism sector and could damage coastal infrastructure. While the market impact score of 0.15 suggests the event is perceived as localized, the direct physical risks to regional assets and economic activity are significant.

Key Decisions for Investors

• Investors with exposure to the Mexican tourism and hospitality sectors, particularly in coastal regions from Punta Mita to Punta San Telmo and southern Baja California, should anticipate short-term revenue disruption and potential asset damage.
• Monitor companies involved in regional infrastructure, agriculture, and logistics, as operations are likely to be impacted by flooding and high winds, creating potential for supply chain and operational bottlenecks.
• While market-wide impact is low, firms with concentrated insurance or reinsurance exposure in the affected Mexican states face a heightened risk of claims, which could warrant a review of positions in those specific names.