Hurricane Lorena Threatens Heavy Rain and Possible Flooding Across the U.S. Southwest

Published: September 4, 2025 · By elouanes soualili

Introduction

Hurricane Lorena has captured the attention of forecasters and residents across North America. Once a Category 1 hurricane packing winds of around 80 mph, Lorena has since weakened into a tropical storm, but its biggest threat remains water, not wind. Meteorologists warn that Lorena’s remnants will deliver dangerous amounts of rainfall, flash floods, and potential mudslides across northwestern Mexico and into the U.S. Southwest, especially Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

Hurricane Lorena’s Current Path

• Location (as of Sept 4, 2025): Moving inland from Baja California Sur.

• Winds: Weakened to tropical storm strength, but still capable of producing damaging gusts.

• Forecast: The system is expected to continue northward, spreading tropical moisture into the desert Southwest and Central Texas by the weekend.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Lorena’s track will allow its rain bands to extend far beyond Mexico, feeding into unstable weather patterns across the U.S. border.

Expected Rainfall and Flooding Risk

Heavy rain is the primary concern. Forecast models predict the following rainfall totals:

• Baja California & Sonora (Mexico): Up to 15 inches, with life-threatening flash floods and mudslides possible in mountainous terrain.

• Arizona & New Mexico: 1 to 5 inches, with localized higher amounts in higher elevations.

• Texas (Central, Panhandle, and West): Between 2 and 6 inches, with isolated totals near 8 inches due to tropical moisture colliding with a cold front.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has already issued Flood Watches for large parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Urban areas like San Antonio, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Houston may face flash flooding as heavy rain overwhelms drainage systems.

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Why This Storm Matters

Even though Lorena has lost hurricane strength, it demonstrates a familiar but dangerous pattern:

• Weakening tropical systems can still produce major inland flooding.

• The Southwest, typically dry, has soil that struggles to absorb sudden heavy rainfall.

• Past storms like Hurricane Nora (2021) showed how remnants can still devastate areas far from landfall.

This makes Lorena a storm worth watching closely—even for those hundreds of miles away from the coastline.

Safety Precautions for Residents

Authorities urge residents across Mexico and the U.S. Southwest to take precautions:

• Stay updated with local emergency alerts and NHC advisories.

• Avoid flooded roads — even shallow moving water can sweep away vehicles.

• Prepare an emergency kit, including water, flashlights, and basic supplies.

• If you live in flood-prone areas, consider temporary relocation until the storm passes.

How Lorena Could Impact Texas

Texas may see some of the heaviest U.S. rainfall totals due to a mix of Lorena’s tropical moisture and a slow-moving weather front. Cities including San Antonio, Austin, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Houston could experience:

• Street flooding in urban areas.

• Power outages in areas where winds remain strong.

• Disrupted travel with delays at airports and road closures.

The excessive rainfall outlook from the NWS currently rates much of Texas under a Level 1 (out of 4) flood threat, but forecasters caution that this may be upgraded if rainfall totals trend higher.

Where Things Stand Now

Hurricane Lorena is no longer a major wind threat, but its flooding potential is severe. The system serves as a reminder that water is often deadlier than wind in tropical cyclones.

For millions across Mexico and the U.S. Southwest, the next few days will be critical. As Lorena’s rains move north, communities are urged to prepare and stay alert.

While Lorena’s winds may weaken further, its legacy could be historic flooding across regions that are not accustomed to tropical downpours. Residents in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas should take this storm seriously and remain vigilant through the weekend.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For official updates, always follow the National Hurricane Center and your local weather service.