Tropical Storm Ileana hits Mexican resort Los Cabos

On September 14, 2024, news from Mexico City. Tropical Storm Ileana forced residents and tourists in the famous Mexican resort of Los Cabos to stay indoors as heavy rains hit the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Ileana was moving north at 9 miles per hour on Saturday through the southern part of the Gulf of California. It is currently about 75 miles northeast of Cabo San Lucas, with maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour. Tropical storm warnings have been issued for parts of the Baja California Peninsula including Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Forecasters predict that with the arrival of Ileana, there will be heavy rainfall, which poses a risk of floods and mudslides in parts of western Mexico and southern Baja California.

The Los Cabos civil defense department said the entire municipality is on red alert and is working to notify the public and implement measures and evacuate to temporary shelters. It also urged residents to avoid crossing dangerous areas. Due to the storm, all schools in Los Cabos were closed on Friday. The Mexican federal civil defense department called on residents to avoid leaving home until the storm passes. Those in flood-prone areas should find temporary shelters. The authorities have prepared 20 temporary shelters in San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.

At the Hacienda Beach Club and residential area in Cabo San Lucas, the valet parking attendant said it started raining late Thursday night and hasn't stopped. The waves are rough and some flights have been canceled. On Friday afternoon, it was still raining in Los Cabos, the roads were flooded, resorts piled up sandbags, and people walked around the docks with umbrellas. Tourism operators said safety is the top priority and they will inform colleagues of danger information so that they can go to shelters.