Hurricane Rachel Intensifies to Category 3 Off Mexico's Pacific Coast

Why it matters locally: The intensification of Hurricane Rachel off Mexico's Pacific coast comes after New Mexico and other Southwest states experienced flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Polo earlier in the week.

Hurricane Rachel reached Category 3 intensity off Mexico's Pacific coast. This upgrade places the storm at a significant level on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The storm developed as northern Mexico and sections of the U.S. Southwest experienced flooding and damage. These impacts stemmed from the remnants of Hurricane Polo, which moved through the region earlier in the week.