We at The Cabo Sun are tracking Hurricane Priscilla closely so you can make calm, informed decisions about your trip.
As of Wednesday, October 8, Priscilla is running parallel to the Baja peninsula and kicking up heavy rain, high surf, and travel disruptions across Los Cabos.
Authorities have closed ports for small craft, opened shelters, and even paused street-food sales as a health precaution. Here’s the situation, what’s open, and how to stay safe and flexible this week.
What’s happening on the ground
Local officials confirm port closures to smaller vessels in multiple municipalities and report one canceled flight, while the number of sheltered residents in Los Cabos climbed to roughly 300+ people. Separately, airports report normal operations overall, but conditions can change quickly during squalls. Expect intense rain bands and elevated surf through mid-week as the system tracks offshore.
Beyond marine restrictions, Los Cabos health authorities suspended street-food sales temporarily to reduce the risk of contamination after heavy rains (think runoff splashing onto open food). If you’re in town, stick to indoor restaurants that follow hygiene protocols until the ban is lifted.
In parts of the corridor, flooded streets and stalled vehicles have been reported, prompting added coordination between state and federal agencies. Toll booths were opened temporarily to improve traffic flow and keep emergency routes clear. Give yourself extra time when driving and avoid low-lying arroyos that can surge without warning.
Beach & water safety
Even when the sun peeks out, surf and currents remain hazardous under Priscilla’s outer bands. Heed the beach-flag system and don’t cross taped or roped areas.
We just covered a related closure where the beach beneath the Arch/Lover’s Beach was temporarily off-limits under a black flag — a reminder that conditions can shift fast during storm swells.
Brush up on what red and black flags mean before you head to the sand, and always ask lifeguards for the most current read.
What travelers with upcoming trips should do
- Stay weather-aware, not alarmed. Our latest report shows Priscilla strengthening offshore with a Tropical Storm Watch for Baja California Sur, including Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Offshore tracking means rain, wind, and surf — not necessarily a direct landfall — but it still disrupts boating, beach time, and some services.
- Confirm plans daily. Tours, boat charters, and beach clubs may pause operations on short notice; your hotel concierge will have the day-of status.
- Eat indoors for now. With the temporary street-food suspension, you’ll have the most options at restaurants and hotel venues that are operating as usual.
- Build flexibility into flights. If you’re rebooking, remember our explainer on the cheapest days to fly to Cabo — mid-week departures often price better once weather clears.
If you’re already here
- Follow official guidance first. Los Cabos Civil Protection, state health authorities, and your hotel’s safety team coordinate closely during storms. If you’re advised to avoid certain roads or beaches, take it seriously. For broader context on this year’s storm-season planning, see how Los Cabos and U.S. officials partnered on new hurricane safety measures for tourists.
- Watch for updated port status. Even after skies brighten, harbors can remain closed until swells subside. Don’t pressure operators to go out early — they can lose permits for violating closures.
- Shelters & services. Shelters remain available for at-risk residents and travelers who need them; numbers have fluctuated around the low hundreds as bands move through the area.
The bottom line
Priscilla is a high-surf, heavy-rain event for Los Cabos this week.
Expect marine and beach restrictions, street flooding in spots, and temporary health and food-service precautions — but also know that resorts, airports, and most core services are operating with weather-aware adjustments. As always during storm season, make decisions day-by-day and lean on official updates and your hotel for the all-clear.
We’ll continue to refine beach access, port status, and traveler guidance as new data comes in.
Related coverage from us (worth a quick read while you plan):
- New safety flags at El Médano Beach — a quick refresher on what each color means.
- What a black flag really means on Cabo beaches — why you should keep off the sand during closures.
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