Free and Sovereign State of Baja California, a Mexican coastal state on the Pacific, northwestern edge of Mexico
Two tropical storms in the Pacific are in motion: Julio weakens as Iselle strengthens to hurricane-force winds west of the Baja California peninsula. Lala remains in the Central Pacific with no land threat; Moke is no longer a cyclone after skirting Hawaii.
Authorities warn residents in Kauai and Niihue of torrential rain, flash floods and mudslides as Tropical Storm Lowell moves north-northwest, with Hawaii's Big Island forecast to receive heavy rain. Separately, Hurricane Marie off Baja California is generating dangerous swells along the West Coast.
Three surfers from Australia and the US were killed in Baja California during a suspected botched robbery. The accused face murder and aggravated robbery charges; prosecutors say the killings occurred during a failed attempt to steal a pickup truck. The trial has included witness intimidation concerns and the sentencing pushes past 200 years for each defendant.
Tropical Cyclones Polo and Nolo are intensifying and threatening Mexico’s Pacific coast and Hawaii, with warnings of life-threatening flooding, mudslides, and widespread damage. Governments are mobilising evacuations, shelters, and power restoration efforts as forecasts shift.
A hurricane is tracking toward southwestern Mexico as it fuels on record-strong El Niño waters. NOAA says Polo remains an extremely dangerous Category 5 storm, with potential for heavy rain, flooding and dangerous surf along the Pacific coast; no landfall is expected but residents face urgent warnings.
Nolo has strengthened toward a dangerous hurricane off Hawaii, while Polo threatens Mexico’s Baja California as forecasters warn of heavy rain, flooding and power outages. Authorities have activated emergency responses and urged precautions as the storms loom.
Polo has strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane with winds around 125 mph. It is moving toward the Baja California peninsula and mainland Mexico, bringing heavy rain, flooding and storm surge risks. Authorities say embankments in San Carlos and San Juanico face breach threats, prompting evacuations and shelter preparations. The storm could also trigger heavy rain and flooding in the U.S. Southwest as it tracks north.
Prosecutors and defense lawyers have presented closing arguments in a Baja California murder-and-robbery case over the killings of four men, including three surfers from Australia and the United States. A verdict is expected Friday. Victims’ families have urged exemplary punishment as testimony described the suspects’ roles and alleged actions.
A judge in Ensenada has found Jesús Gerardo García, Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús guilty of killing Australians Callum and Jake Robinson and their American friend Carter Rhoad during a 2024 trip to Baja California. The court has also convicted the men of armed robbery and carjacking after testimony described a violent, premeditated attack and the victims' bodies were recovered from a well.
A migrant boat with about 27 people has capsized roughly 140 miles west of Ensenada, Mexico. The U.S. Coast Guard and Navy have rescued 16 Mexican nationals; 11 remain missing. Surviving details include reports of shark bites and cold exposure. Investigations are underway by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Mexican authorities.