Hurricane Willa En Route to Western Mexico & Parts of South Texas

Recognized as a storm with the potential to be extremely dangerous, Hurricane Willa has grown to near-Category 5 in intensity and is presently on a path to hit Mexico’s western coast as well as south Texas in the coming days. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, Willa could “produce life-threatening storm surge, wind and rainfall over portions of southwestern and west-central Mexico beginning on Tuesday.” Their update as of 12:00 p.m. MDT on Monday, October 22 identified Willa as being “potentially catastrophic.”

With the potential for life-threatening riptide and surf conditions, Hurricane Willa is expected to make landfall between San Blas and Mazatlan, Mexico, late on Tuesday, October 23 into early Wednesday, October 24. Despite the positioning of this western Mexico impact, residents of south Texas are also being advised with respect to lingering intensity and conditions that may result from the storm.

Photo: Johnson Space Center

Early on Monday, October 22, Hurricane Willa winds were extending 30 miles from its core, and its tropical storm force winds were being measured up to 90 miles out. The USNHC has advised that approximately 6 – 12 inches of rainfall were anticipated, with some places having the potential to get up to 18 inches. Subsequently, a flash flood warning was issued as well as the warning of possible landslides in mountainous areas of Mexico. Although expected to be weakened as it travels, the effects of this hurricane are anticipated to be felt in parts of south Texas by approximately 8 a.m. on Wednesday, October 24. For the most part, this will include increased rainfall, which could result in minor flooding on area streets, as well as rising water levels in creeks, rivers, and bayous.