Dual Threat: Tropical Storm Jerry Strengthens in Atlantic as Hurricane Priscilla Downgrades in Pacific

Priscilla approached major hurricane status before weakening to a tropical storm. (Representational)

Miami:

Priscilla has been downgraded from hurricane to tropical storm status as it moves along Mexico's western Pacific coast, while Tropical Storm Jerry is gaining strength in the Atlantic as it approaches the Leeward Islands, according to forecasters early Thursday.

After nearly reaching major hurricane status on Tuesday, Priscilla weakened to a tropical storm by Wednesday. Early Thursday, the storm was positioned approximately 434 kilometers west of Baja California's southern tip, moving northwest at 13 kph with maximum sustained winds of 80 kph, reported the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Baja California Sur is experiencing high surf and gusty winds from Priscilla, with a tropical storm watch in effect from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lazaro. Forecasters warn of possible heavy rainfall and flash flooding along Mexico's Pacific coast, with effects potentially extending into the U.S. Southwest through the weekend.

Meanwhile in the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Jerry was located about 635 kilometers east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands, moving west-northwest at 32 kph with maximum sustained winds of 105 kph, according to early Thursday reports.

Jerry is expected to strengthen gradually and could reach hurricane status by the weekend. The Leeward Islands may receive 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) of rain Thursday into early Friday, creating risk of flash flooding.

Tropical storm watches have been issued for Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, St. Barts, St. Martin, Saba, St. Eustatius, Guadeloupe and adjacent islands.

In other Pacific developments, Tropical Storm Octave weakened Wednesday evening but maintained tropical storm status early Thursday. Posing no threat to land, Octave was expected to dissipate Thursday.

Octave was situated approximately 692 kilometers south-southwest of Baja California's southern tip, moving east-northeast at 29 kph with maximum sustained winds of 64 kph.