Flash flooding hit La Paz, Baja California, on Saturday following Hurricane Norma making landfall in the south of the Mexican state.
Hurricane Norma was previously rated as a category 4 hurricane while in the Pacific but has since been downgraded to a category 1 hurricane, with wind speeds reaching 80 mph (130 kph) in some areas after making landfall.
Multiple vehicles have reportedly been submerged in the floods, while others have been carried off with the currents. Both power lines and trees have also been downed due to the high wind speed and torrential rain. It is currently unknown if anyone has been injured due to the flooding; however, some regions have reportedly lost power and internet access.
Emergency response teams have been deployed to the affected regions, rescuing those trapped in severely affected areas, while rescuers in San Jose del Cabo transported those affected to emergency shelters, where an estimated 1,700 people are seeking shelter from the hurricane.
The local hotel association has estimated there are nearly 40,000 tourists still in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo on Friday. Tourists are currently trapped in their resorts as the airport and marinas have been closed in preparation for the storm.
The federal government had deployed 500 marines to assist in preparations for the incoming storm, while officials stated that as many as 39 emergency shelters are on standby to open.
Malecón de #LaPaz #BajaCalifornia
En estos momentos está impactando a #LosCabos el #huracánNorma (2) pic.twitter.com/BfjYlFG2n0
— NOTICHILANGO ?? (@NOTICHILANGO) October 21, 2023
Malecón de #LaPaz #BajaCalifornia
En estos momentos está impactando a #LosCabos el #huracánNorma (3) pic.twitter.com/DfSvW5Orrt
— NOTICHILANGO ?? (@NOTICHILANGO) October 21, 2023
