Hurricane Rachel weakens, remains major off Baja
Live storm radar — Baja California Sur, Mexico
Hurricane Rachel strengthened to Category 3 off Mexico’s Pacific coast on Thursday, with winds around 120 mph, before weakening slightly and turning westward on Friday. The storm was moving slowly offshore south of Baja California, and forecasters expected it to gradually weaken while continuing away from land. Despite no direct landfall forecast, Rachel was expected to generate dangerous surf, rip currents and large waves, while heavy rain threatened Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, Nayarit and Jalisco with flooding, swollen rivers and possible landslides. Mexican authorities and the U.S. Embassy warned people in affected coastal areas, including visitors to Cabo San Lucas, about hazardous conditions and beach or port closures.






