TROPICAL STORM TO BRING HEAVY RAIN AND POSSIBLE FLOODING

The storm system Rick has been downgraded to a tropical storm as it approaches the Baja California Peninsula. Rick’s sustained wind speed was 65 mph/56 kt, with higher gusts; additional weakening is forecast over the next 24-48 hours. The storm is moving toward the north-northwest at 6 mph/5 kt. A turn toward the northeast is expected later on 20 October, and Rick is forecast to pass near the southern tip of Baja California early on 21 October, continuing on to mainland Mexico’s western coast later in the day. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the western coast of the Baja California Peninsula from Agua Blanca southward and for the eastern coast from Buena Vista southward. A tropical storm watch is in effect from Buena Vista northward to La Paz and for the mainland coast from El Roblito northward to Altata. Despite the storm’s weakening, heavy rain and possible floods are expected in southern Baja California. Two deaths have been attributed to Rick so far, one in Nacori Chico, located in the state of Sonora, and the other in Los Cabos, Baja California.