Pacific hurricane systems send tornadoes, flooding to southern, central U.S.

Hurricane Rachel, the most recent major hurricane in the Pacific, is poised to strengthen into a Category 4 storm as early as Friday, prompting severe flood risks along coastal regions. Currently classified as a Category 3 hurricane, Rachel boasts maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h (121 mph) and gusts up to 240 km/h (149 mph), located approximately 415 km east-southeast of Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco.

The National Meteorological Service (SMN) issued a severe weather alert, stating that a cold front and the hurricane will unleash torrential rainfall from September 28 to October 4. Rachel's center is situated 390 kilometers south of Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, traveling westward at 6 km/h. Hurricane-force winds extend 40 km from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds span up to 260 km.

Despite the forecasted upgrade to Category 4, Rachel is projected to remain a major hurricane through Saturday without making landfall in Mexico. However, the SMN predicts heavy rainfall for Nayarit, Sinaloa, and southern Baja California Sur, potentially reaching 75 mm, leading to increased dangers of landslides, river flooding, and rising waters.

Authorities in potentially affected regions of Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco have been advised to closely monitor Rachel's progress. Earlier this week, schools in Jalisco were ordered closed, only to reopen the following day. The 2026-2027 season's inaugural cold front arrived in tandem with Hurricane Rachel, bringing heavy rains, strong gusts, and cooler temperatures to several northern and central Mexican states.