Everyone safe after Cabo San Lucas flash flood; Los Cabos beaches closed

No deaths were reported after Tuesday night's flash flood, but more rain is expected for 48 hours and every beach in Los Cabos is under a black flag.

By the Lobo Los Cabos newsroom · Wednesday, October 28 · Watch the show

Last night's flash flood

The good news first: everyone is okay after last night's flash flood in Cabo San Lucas. A strong thunderstorm fed by moisture from Vance dropped about 60 mm of rain (about 2.4 inches) on the city in under 40 minutes, and streets flooded. Firefighters say there were no deaths.

At the Lagunitas arroyo crossing, the current carried off several cars. Protección Civil confirmed they were all empty. Firefighters also helped a bus stuck on the Corridor near El Tezal. Cabo San Lucas firefighters pulled a 13-year-old boy out of a current, and Meganoticias reports he was checked at the hospital and is fine.

Most of Cabo went dark for hours. Neighbors checked on neighbors, flashlights came out, and the community rode it out together. After the storm, a rainbow showed up over the Pacific this morning. Thanks to Holly Heiser Hornyan for the photo.

Closures and safety

Protección Civil has every beach in the municipality closed under a black flag. Temporary shelters are open for anyone who needs them. In an emergency, call 911. Safe-crossing teams from Protección Civil, the National Guard, and state and city police are posted at arroyo crossings.

Protección Civil says conditions continue for the next 48 hours, with locally intense rain of 75 to 150 mm (about 3 to 6 inches) for Los Cabos and La Paz. Arroyos and dips in the road fill fast, even from rain that falls inland. Never drive or walk through moving water, and stay out of floodwater, which carries sewage and debris.

Schools were closed today. Check official channels tonight for Thursday classes. Charge your phones, keep a flashlight handy and follow Protección Civil.

Tropics

As of the 2 PM advisory, Vance has weakened to a tropical depression with 35 mph winds. It is about 200 miles south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas, moving north at 9 mph.

The National Hurricane Center expects Vance to turn post-tropical within 24 hours and dissipate soon after. There are no watches or warnings, but the NHC says southern Baja should monitor its progress.

Tomorrow's weather

Sunset tonight is at 5:43 PM. Showers are around, with 76°F (24°C) at 6 PM and 73°F (23°C) by 10 PM, and a north-northwest wind near 20 mph. The overnight low is 73°F (23°C).

Thursday brings more showers, a high of 85°F (29°C), a low of 72°F (22°C) and a south-southwest wind around 11 mph. Friday looks like heavy rain with a high of 83°F (28°C). Saturday is cloudy with a high of 85°F (29°C).

Surf and fishing

With the beaches closed, surfers should sit this swell out. The NHC says Vance's swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip currents.

NOAA's wave model has Thursday morning at about 5 feet at 9 seconds from the southeast, and dropping. The East Cape and Corridor show the most, about 5.5 feet, and Cerritos about 4 feet. These are offshore model numbers, not breaking waves at the beach.

For anglers, the water is 88°F (31°C). Tomorrow night brings a waning gibbous moon, 11 days from the new moon. Expect breezy, lumpy conditions in the morning, and Protección Civil has a caution out for boats.

Peso check

A U.S. dollar buys about 18.6 pesos and a Canadian dollar about 13.3, as of today. Those are market rates. Shops and exchange houses in town usually give a bit less, so check first.

Qué Pasa Cabo

Día de Muertos Los Cabos starts Saturday on Playa El Médano in Cabo San Lucas. The SCORE Baja 1000 starts in 12 days in San José del Cabo. Check with the organizers for any weather changes to either event.

Written from public weather, marine and hurricane data and the organizers' own reports. Surf numbers are offshore model readings, not breaking waves. For official alerts, follow Protección Civil Los Cabos. Got something happening? Tell Lobo.