Tropical Storm Ileana Makes Landfall in Sinaloa, Mexico Post Los Cabos Impact

Tropical Storm Ileana hit the Mexican state of Sinaloa on Saturday, following its impact on Los Cabos. The storm, which developed off Mexico's Pacific coast on Thursday, had winds of 40 mph (65 kph) as it moved inland, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. It made landfall near Topolobampo and was moving north at 6 mph (9 kph).

Forecasters predict that Ileana will weaken into a tropical depression as it moves over northern Sinaloa's coastal region. It is expected to travel over the Gulf of California, staying roughly parallel to the coast on Sunday. On Friday, warnings were issued for parts of the Baja California Peninsula, including Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

Impact on Local Communities

In response to the storm, authorities in Los Cabos prepared 20 temporary shelters in San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Juan Manuel Arce Ortega from Los Cabos Civil Protection reported that schools in La Paz and Los Cabos had suspended classes due to the storm.

At the Hacienda Beach Club and Residences in Cabo San Lucas, valet worker Alan Galvan noted that rain began late Thursday night and continued steadily. "The rain isn't very strong right now, but the waves are choppy," he said. "The guests are very calm and already came down for coffee," Galvan added. "There's some flights cancelled but everything is ok at the moment."

Weather Conditions

The rain persisted throughout Los Cabos on Friday afternoon, causing several roads to flood. Some resorts took precautions by stacking sandbags around their perimeters. Despite the weather, some people were still seen walking around boat docks with umbrellas.

"The priority has to be safety, starting with the workers. We always have to check on our colleagues who live in risk areas," said Lyzzette Liceaga, a tour operator at Los Cabos.

Ileana was the only active tropical storm in the Eastern Pacific basin monitored by the National Weather Service on Friday. Meanwhile, in the Atlantic basin, post-tropical cyclone Francine brought heavy rain to parts of the southern United States. Additionally, Tropical Storm Gordon formed in the Atlantic Ocean on Friday and is expected to remain over open water for several days.

The consistent rainfall in Los Cabos led to some disruptions but did not cause significant damage. Authorities remain vigilant as Ileana continues its path over northern Sinaloa and into the Gulf of California.

The situation remains under control with local authorities ensuring safety measures are in place for residents and tourists alike.