Tropical Storm Ileana is currently approaching the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, prompting authorities to issue warnings for the Los Cabos area in Mexico. The storm, which formed on September 12, 2024, off the Pacific coast, is moving north-northwest at 15 kilometers per hour, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
As of September 13, 2024, Ileana was located approximately 90 kilometers southeast of Cabo San Lucas, with maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour. The storm is expected to make landfall within the next few hours, potentially affecting the popular resort towns of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.
Authorities have issued a tropical storm warning for portions of the Baja California Peninsula, including the Los Cabos area. The Los Cabos Civil Protection agency has declared a red alert for Los Cabos and La Paz, urging residents and tourists to remain indoors until further notice. Óscar Cruces Rodríguez, representing Mexico's federal Civil Protection, emphasized the importance of avoiding flood-prone areas and seeking temporary shelters if necessary.
Meteorologists predict significant rainfall associated with Ileana, with 10 to 15 centimeters expected in the affected areas. Coastal regions of Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco states may receive up to 30 centimeters of rain through September 13. The storm is forecasted to traverse the southern portion of the Baja California Peninsula and move over the southern and central Gulf of California over the weekend.
Local authorities have taken precautionary measures, including the suspension of all schools in Los Cabos on September 13 and the preparation of 20 temporary shelters in San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.
The impact of the storm is already being felt in the area. Alan Galvan, a valet worker at the Hacienda Beach Club and Residences in Cabo San Lucas, reported constant rain since late September 12, with choppy waves observed. Despite some flight cancellations, Galvan noted that guests remained calm.
Felipe Gomez, an employee at the Vibrant Cabo San Lucas Marina Restaurant, described the current conditions as "pretty ugly," with the main boulevard flooded and many businesses closed. He awaited further instructions from management regarding potential closure.
The Los Cabos area, located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, is a renowned tourist destination attracting millions of visitors annually. The region's economy heavily relies on tourism and fishing, making the potential impact of Tropical Storm Ileana particularly concerning for local businesses and residents alike.
As the storm approaches, it's crucial to remember that the Baja California Peninsula is home to unique flora and fauna, including many endemic species. The area typically experiences a desert climate with minimal annual rainfall, making tropical storms like Ileana significant events that can have lasting effects on the local ecosystem.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and residents and tourists are advised to stay informed about any updates or changes in the storm's trajectory. The safety of all individuals in the affected areas remains the top priority as Tropical Storm Ileana makes its way towards the Los Cabos region.