Due to the effects from Hurricane Hilary to affect Baja California Peninsula in Mexico August 2023, you may want to consider delaying your travel — or, at least, keep yourself updated as to the latest information pertaining to the weather — if this region is in your travel plans over the next few days.
Hurricane Hilary to Affect Baja California Peninsula in Mexico: August 2023 Travel Alert
Maximum sustained winds of Hurricane Hilary — which is currently approximately 445 miles south of Cabo San Lucas and moving west northwest at a speed of 14 miles per hour — are at 120 miles per hour as a major Category 3 hurricane with a distinct eye; and landfall is expected to occur somewhere on the west coast of the state of Baja California sometime in the afternoon on Sunday, August 20, 2023.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Baja California Sur Mexico from:
- Cabo San Lazaro southward
- Los Barriles southward
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for north of:
- Cabo San Lazaro to Punta Abreojos
- Los Barriles to Loreto
Although they will not suffer from a direct impact, cities expected to be affected by this storm include Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, La Paz, Puerto Magdalena, and Punta Abreojos.
Dangerous rough surf, localized flash flooding, strong rip currents, windy conditions, and rainfall of up to ten inches is possible in some areas of the Baja California Peninsula. Electrical power outages are also possible.
What is interesting is that Hurricane Hilary will likely impact Southern California as a weak tropical storm or a strong tropical depression sometime during the morning hours of Monday, August 21, 2023, with San Diego expected to be in the direct path of the storm. Regardless of the strength of the storm, it will flood Southern California with torrential rain — perhaps as much as eight inches of precipitation. The last time a tropical storm impacted Southern California was Monday, September 25, 1939, when landfall occurred near San Pedro.
Just as interesting is that western Nevada, Northern California, southwestern Idaho, and Oregon will also be affected by what will have been the former Hurricane Hilary — which is also a rare occurrence. The remnants of Hurricane Hilary may still be classified as a tropical depression when they arrive in Washington state.
Flight Waivers, Delays and Cancellations
If you are traveling to the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico over the next few days, expect delays and cancellations of flights. Keep up to date on the latest information pertaining to this tropical weather system which may adversely affect your travel plans. Better yet, postponing or canceling your trip might be a better option — no matter which mode of travel you plan on taking.
If you have a flight scheduled, your flight may be delayed or canceled — and you may be eligible for a waiver of a fee to change your itinerary. If you are driving in any of these areas, watch out for deteriorating weather conditions and traffic problems.
Here are five airlines which have issued travel alerts as a result of this tropical weather system:
- American Airlines has issued a travel alert for Los Cabos / San Jose del Cabo for Saturday, August 19, 2023 through Sunday, August 20, 2023; and Tuesday, August 22, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- United Airlines has issued a travel alert for Cabo San Lucas for Saturday, August 19, 2023 through Sunday, August 20, 2023; and Wednesday, August 23, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Southwest Airlines has issued a travel alert for Los Cabos for Friday, August 18, 2023 through Sunday, August 20, 2023; and Sunday, September 3, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- JetBlue Airways has issued a travel alert for Los Cabos for Friday, August 18, 2023 through Sunday, August 20, 2023; and Tuesday, August 22, 2023 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Allegiant Air has issued travel alerts for Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Ana for Sunday, August 20, 2023 through Monday, August 21, 2023.
Final Boarding Call
Expect travel waivers to be issued by additional airlines as Hurricane Hilary — to affect Baja California Peninsula in Mexico August 2023 — closes in on Southern California.
Be sure to contact your airline or transportation provider for the latest information pertaining to your travels — if they are adversely affected — and please: travel safely.
Source: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the Department of Commerce of the United States.
