Hurricane Pamela continues to strengthen as it nears landfall

Hurricane Pamela, currently located 295 km south-southeast of the southern tip of Baja California, is expected to be near major hurricane strength before making landfall.

As of the last update the storm had maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h. Conditions will begin to deteriorate in the Baja California del Sur area this afternoon.

The storm has the potential to deliver heavy rain to Sinaloa and western Durango where isolated amounts of 12 inches are possible.

There is a potential for flash flooding and mudslides.

Across southern portions of Baja California Sur, isolated maximum totals of 6 inches are possible.

Portions of central Texas and southeastern Oklahoma could receive 3 to 5 inches as the storm moves inland.

Storm surge is also possible along the coast and swells generated by Pamela will begin to affect portions of the southern Baja California peninsula, southwestern and west-central mainland Mexico beginning later today.

There are several alerts in effect.

• A hurricane arning is in effect for Bahia Tempehuaya to Escuinapa.

• A tropical storm warning is in effect for North of Bahia Tempehuaya to Altata, South of Escuinapa to Cabo Corrientes, and Islas Marias.

• There is a tropical storm watch in effect for Los Barilles to Cabo San Lucas.