Hurricane Rachel strengthens to a Category 3 storm off Mexico's Pacific coast
A vehicle navigates a flooded roadway as heavy rain move through the area, in San Antonio, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Hurricane Rachel has been upgraded to a Category 3 storm off Mexico’s Pacific coast as northern Mexico and parts of the U.S. Southwest were reeling from flooding and damage from the remnants of Hurricane Polo earlier this week.
The storm, located about 235 miles (380 kilometers) south off the southern tip of Baja California, was continuing west-northwest at 3 mph (6 kph) and expected to strengthen Friday before weakening this weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center.