Hurricane Rachel Disrupts Travel and Shuts Down Beaches in Los Cabos
Los Cabos, Mexico — October 4–6, 2026 — Travelers bound for the popular Mexican resort destination of Los Cabos are experiencing significant disruptions due to Hurricane Rachel. The hurricane, currently off the Pacific coast, is causing dangerous surf conditions, heavy rainfall, and widespread beach closures in the region.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports that Rachel peaked as a Category 1 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph. The hurricane is situated approximately 270 miles south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Although not forecasted to make a direct landfall in Los Cabos, its outer bands have already caused flooding, swift water in typically dry desert channels, and life-threatening surf conditions.
The Ayuntamiento de Los Cabos has closed 14 beaches in San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas due to black-flag conditions. These closures include popular spots like Medano Beach. The port has also been shut down for smaller vessels. Emergency personnel have been responding to incidents of people trapped in arroyo channels, and four temporary shelters have been activated across the municipality.
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has issued a warning to American citizens in the area, advising them of the beach and port closures, as well as the deadly rip currents. Travelers planning trips to Los Cabos are urged to monitor airline notifications closely, avoid flooded roadways, and confirm all boat excursions and water activities with local operators before traveling.
Source: TravelPulse — Hurricane Rachel Prompts Beach Closures, Travel Precautions in Los Cabos