Hurricane Season Continues in California and Mexico

Mazatlan, Mexico (HDW) October 26, 2004 – A severe storm known by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as Tropical Depression 16-E is approaching west-central Mexico near the resort town of Mazatlan. Although the storm has not reached hurricane levels, it is causing heavy rainfall throughout that region of Mexico. The storm is moving north-northeast at near 18 miles per hour, and there is a remote chance that it could hit western California this week. It is unlikely that Tropical Depression 16-E will hit California, and it is more likely that it will lose strength as it moves inland within Mexico. The picture displayed above from a NASA satellite shows the size and fury of this storm as it hits Mexico.

This has been the worst season in history for major hurricanes hitting Florida on the east coast of the United States, but many people do not know that hurricanes and tropical storms are quite active in California and the Western United States this time of year as well. Hurricanes Darby, Howard, and Frank either hit the West Coast of California and Mexico or came close during this 2004 Hurricane Season. Tropical Depression 16-E that is hitting Mexico right now does not have the power of these previous storms, but it is notable that it is striking in late October in a region not widely publicized for its severe weather.

The maximum sustained winds of this storm are 35 miles per hour, and heavy rainfall of 5 to 7 inches has been reported across west-central Mexico. These rains can cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides, and NOAA advises that travelers monitor weather products issued by your local weather office.