Hurricane Rachel strengthens as its moisture fuels flooding across the central United States

Hurricane Rachel intensifies in the Pacific

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) listed Hurricane Rachel as a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph in its latest advisory, positioning the centre about 245 miles southwest of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico. A separate NHC bulletin quoted by NBC News put the wind speed at 90 mph and the distance at 200 miles west‑southwest of the same point. Both agencies agree the cyclone is expected to strengthen further and could reach major‑hurricane status (Category 3 or higher) within the next 48 hours.

Moisture from Rachel meets Polo’s remnants

While Rachel churns offshore, the jet stream is pulling its moisture eastward. The same upper‑level flow has already carried the remnants of Hurricane Polo – a former Category 5 storm that made landfall on Baja California as a Category 2 – into the Southwest United States. Polo’s remnants are only the 10th post‑mountain tropical system to affect the U.S. since 1950, according to the NHC.

Flooding spreads across the central U.S.

Rainfall totals on Wednesday ranged from 2 inches in Colorado and Iowa to 3.5 inches in Amarillo, Texas, where streets flooded and a tornado touched down. New Mexico saw standing water overtopping a minor dam, prompting National Weather Service meteorologist Greg Lundeen to warn of “a lot of standing water in the fields and near some homes.”

The deluge is threatening the state’s prized chili harvest. Preston Mitchell, board member of the Hatch Chile Association, warned that “everything’s toast” for growers whose fields are flooded. Acting Governor Howie Morales declared a state of emergency, unlocking $3.75 million for temporary housing, healthcare, food and transportation for displaced residents.

Mexican coastal states brace for rain

Mexico’s Pacific states – Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima and Jalisco – are under watch for isolated rainfall of up to 12 inches and heightened surf. Schools were closed in 30 municipalities of Jalisco as a precaution, though the Mexican government has lifted all coastal watches for Rachel itself.

A broader El Niño‑driven surge

Both the NHC and the National Weather Service note that a strong El Niño is warming Pacific waters, fuelling the season’s unprecedented activity. A new tropical depression, designated Nineteen‑E, formed behind Rachel but is expected to dissipate by Friday.

What’s next?

Forecast models keep Rachel moving northwest at about 7 mph, turning west‑northwest later in the week and staying clear of the Mexican mainland. The moisture plume is expected to linger over the central United States through Thursday, keeping flood warnings in place.

Residents in the affected regions are urged to stay tuned to local alerts, avoid low‑lying areas and heed any evacuation orders as the week‑long rain threat unfolds.