Full Breakdown
Hurricane Rachel Forms as Pacific Moisture Triggers Flooding Across the U.S. Southwest
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Forecasters announced the formation of Hurricane Rachel off Mexico’s Pacific coast. The storm was located about 185 mi (300 km) southwest of Cabo Corrientes and 310 mi (495 km) south-southeast of Cabo San Luas, with maximum sustained winds around 85 mph (140 kph) according to the National Hurricane Center. Rachel was moving northwest at 8 mph (13 kph) and was expected to turn west-northwest, later moving away from mainland Mexico and passing south of the Baja California peninsula. The Mexican government discontinued all coastal watches and warnings but warned of isolated rainfall totals up to 12 in (30 cm) and heavy surf along Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima and Jalisco.
Background & Context
The storm surge coincided with an El Niño year that has produced above-average Pacific storm activity. Moisture from the tropical system merged with remnants of earlier hurricanes, including Hurricane Polo, delivering widespread rain from Colorado to the Great Plains. In Texas and Oklahoma, storms produced up to 3.5 in (9 cm) of rain, while parts of the central United States saw as much as 2 in (5 cm).
Impact on New Mexico Agriculture
Heavy rain in southern New Mexico overtopped a minor dam and caused the Rio Grande to overflow, threatening the state’s famed chile harvest. Hatch Chile Association board member Preston Mitchell warned that mold and disease could ruin the crop, stating that “there will be nobody picking chile for at least five or six days.” He added that flooded fields were “toast” and that growers would face a pause in picking for several days. About 100 residents who had taken shelter in Dona Ana County were released as flood-control structures held.
Official Statements & Responses
National Weather Service meteorologist Greg Lundeen noted standing water in fields and near homes, emphasizing the risk of overtopped dams. Acting Governor Howie Morales declared a state of emergency for New Mexico. Mexican authorities kept schools closed in 30 Jalisco municipalities as a precaution. Federal and local relief funds totaling $75 million were made available to assist affected residents with temporary housing, healthcare, food and transportation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There will be nobody picking chile for at least five or six days,” — Preston Mitchell, Hatch Chile Association board member.
