La Paz Mayor Milena Quiroga Romero announced on May 6 that the city has begun preventive measures ahead of the 2026 tropical cyclone and rainy season. The effort includes cleanup operations across the municipality, activation of temporary shelters, and coordination among federal, state, and municipal agencies.
The Eastern Pacific hurricane season officially runs from May 15 through November 30. In La Paz, the heaviest rains and strongest storms typically arrive in August and September. Quiroga Romero said the early start to preparations is designed to protect residents before conditions worsen later in the summer.
Cleanup and Shelter Activation
City crews have started clearing drainage channels and removing debris from flood-prone areas. The municipality is also identifying and preparing temporary shelters for families who may need to evacuate during a major storm.
The three-level coordination plan brings together local Protección Civil, state emergency services, and federal agencies. Mexico’s national disaster response framework, Plan DN-III-E, typically deploys military personnel to assist during severe weather events. In 2025, the plan committed roughly 3,000 military members to Baja California Sur during hurricane season.
La Paz’s Hurricane History
La Paz sits on the Sea of Cortez side of the peninsula, which offers some natural protection. Most Pacific hurricanes track up the western coast of mainland Mexico, strike the southern tip of the peninsula near Los Cabos, and then veer west into open ocean. When storms do cross the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, they often lose much of their force before reaching La Paz.
That geography is not a guarantee. Hurricane Odile, a Category 4 storm, made landfall on the peninsula in September 2014 and caused severe damage in La Paz, knocking out power for more than a week. It remains the strongest hurricane to hit Baja California Sur in recent history and prompted a major overhaul of the state’s disaster prevention framework. In September 2025, Hurricane Lorena briefly reached Category 1 strength as it approached the peninsula, bringing heavy rain and flash flooding before weakening.
What Residents Should Know
The city’s announcement is an early signal for residents to begin their own planning. Stocking water, batteries, and non-perishable food, securing outdoor furniture and loose objects, and knowing the location of the nearest shelter are standard steps. The municipal government is expected to publish a list of activated shelters as the season progresses.
This story was first reported by Noticias La Paz.