Tag Archives: Sinaloa

Tropical Storm Norma Nears Sinaloa

The center of Tropical Storm Norma neared the coast of Sinaloa on Sunday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Norma was located at latitude 25.0°N and longitude 109.0°W which put it about 55 miles (90 km) south of Los Mochis, Mexico. Norma was moving toward the east-northeast at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 990 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Huatabampito to Mazatlan, Mexico.

Tropical Storm Norma weakened on Sunday night as it neared the coast of Sinaloa. The center of Norma’s circulation was still over the warm water in the southern part of the Gulf of California. However, an upper level trough west of Baja California produced strong southwesterly winds that blew the upper part of Norma’s circulation northeast of the circulation in the lower levels. The lower part of Tropical Storm Norma consisted primarily of bands of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) in the eastern part of Norma’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) in the western part of Tropical Storm Norma.

Tropical Storm Norma will make landfall on the coast of Mexico south of Topolobampo on Monday. The lower part of Norma’s circulation will weaken rapidly after it makes landfall. Isolated heavy rain could fall in Sinaloa where the wind pushes air up slopes. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Otis formed south of Mexico. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Otis was located at latitude 11.1°N and longitude 97.3°W which put it about 435 miles (705 km) south-southeast of Acapulco, Mexico. Otis was moving toward the north-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1004 mb. Tropical Storm Otis could move toward Mexico during the next few days.

Hurricane Norma Brings Wind and Rain to Southern Baja California

Hurricane Norma brought wind and rain to the southern part of Baja California on Saturday. At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Norma was located at latitude 22.9°N and longitude 110.3°W which put it about 25 miles (40 km) west of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Norma was moving toward the north at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 977 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Todos Santos to Los Barriles, Mexico. The Hurricane Warning included Cabo San Lucas. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portions of the coast from Todos Santos to Santa Fe, Mexico and from Los Barriles to San Evaristo, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Topolobampo to Mazatlan, Mexico.

Hurricane Norma brought strong winds and locally heavy rain to the southern part of Baja California on Saturday afternoon. A weather station in Cabo San Lucas reported a sustained wind speed of 55 m.p.h. (89 km/h) and a wind gust of 72 m.p.h. (116 km/h). A weather radar in Cabo San Lucas showed heavy rain falling over the southern end of Baja California.

Hurricane Norma weakened as it approached the southern end of Baja California on Saturday. An upper level trough west of Baja California produced southwesterly winds that blew toward the top of Norma’s circulation. Those winds caused moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear caused Hurricane Norma to weaken.

The center of Hurricane Norma was just offshore to the west of Cabo San Lucas on Saturday afternoon. Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Norma’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 12.7. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 11.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 24.2. Hurricane Norma was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Hanna when Hanna hit south Texas in 2020.

The upper level trough west of Baja California will steer Hurricane Norma toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Hurricane Norma will move across the southern end of Baja California. Norma will continue to bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to southern Baja California during the next 18 hours. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Hurricane Norma will weaken to a tropical storm while it moves across the southern end of Baja California. Norma will move across the southern part of the Gulf of California on Sunday. Norma will approach the west coast of Mexico between Topolobampo and Mazatlan on Sunday afternoon. Norma could also drop heavy rains over Sinaloa.

Hurricane Orlene Makes Landfall Southeast of Mazatlan

Hurricane Orlene made landfall on the west coast of Mexico southeast of Mazatlan on Monday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Orlene was located at latitude 22.9°N and longitude 105.7°W which put it about 50 miles (80 km) east-southeast of Mazatlan, Mexico. Orlene was moving toward the north-northeast at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (150 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 983 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from San Blas to Mazatlan, Mexico. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portions of the coast from Punta Mita to San Blas and from Mazatlan to Bahia Tempehuaya, Mexico.

Hurricane Orlene made landfall on the west coast of Mexico southeast of Mazatlan near Teacapan on Monday morning. Orlene was a small hurricane at the time of landfall. Winds to hurricane force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Orlene’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Orlene will weaken quickly as it moves inland. An upper level trough over northwestern Mexico will produce strong southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Orlene’s circulation. Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear. The strong wind shear coupled with moving over land will cause Hurricane Orlene to weaken quickly.

Hurricane Orlene will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain to northern Nayarit and southern Sinaloa before it dissipates. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Hurricane Orlene Brings Wind and Rain to Las Islas Marias

Hurricane Orlene brought wind and rain to Las Islas Marias, Mexico on Sunday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Hurricane Orlene was located at latitude 21.4°N and longitude 106.5°W which put it about 10 miles (15 km) southwest of Las Islas Marias, Mexico. Orlene was moving toward the north-northeast at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 976 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for Las Islas Marias. A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from San Blas to Mazatlan, Mexico. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Playa Perula to San Blas, Mexico. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Mazatlan to Bahia Tempehuaya, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Playa Perula to San Blas, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Manzanillo to Playa Perula, Mexico.

Hurricane Orlene weakened gradually on Sunday afternoon after it rapidly intensified to Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale earlier in the day. A circular eye with a diameter of 12 miles (19 km) was still present at the center of Hurricane Orlene. The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around core of Orlene’s circulation. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the northeast of the hurricane.

The circulation around Hurricane Orlene was small. Winds to hurricane force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Orlene. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 17.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 6.8 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 24.6. Hurricane Orlene was capable of causing localized serious damage.

Hurricane Orlene will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Orlene will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. However, an upper level trough over northwestern Mexico will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Orlene’s circulation. Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase. Stronger vertical wind shear will cause Hurricane Orlene to continue to weaken during Monday.

Hurricane Orlene will move around the western end of a high pressure system over Mexico. The upper level trough over northwestern Mexico will steer Hurricane Orlene toward the north-northeast during Sunday night and Monday. Orlene will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Las Islas Marias. Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Hurricane Orlene could cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) in parts of Las Islas Marias. Orlene could cause serious damage in Las Islas Marias. On its anticipated track Hurricane Orlene is likely to make landfall on the west coast of Mexico between San Blas and Mazatlan on Monday afternoon. Orlene will bring strong gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the coast. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in parts of Nayarit and southern Sinaloa. Hurricane Orlene could produce storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters) along the coast.

Hurricane Pamela Makes Landfall on West Coast of Mexico

Hurricane Pamela made landfall on the west coast of Mexico northwest of Mazatlan near La Cruz on Wednesday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Pamela was located at latitude 23.7°N and longitude 106.8°W which put it about 40 miles (65 km) northwest of Mazatlan, Mexico. Pamela was moving toward the northeast at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 987 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Bahia Tempehuaya to Escuinapa, Mexico. The Hurricane Warning included Mazatlan. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portions of the coast from Altata to Bahia Tempehuaya, Mexico and from Escuinapa to Cabo Corrientes, Mexico.

Hurricane Pamela was being affected by moderate vertical wind shear as it approached the west coast of Mexico. A large upper level trough over the western U.S. was producing southwesterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Pamela’s circulation. Northerly winds in the lower levels of the western side of Hurricane Pamela pulled drier air into its circulation. The combination of moderate vertical wind shear and drier air caused an asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms. The strongest thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in bands in the northeastern part of Hurricane Pamela. Bands in other parts of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Pamela’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 130 miles (210 km) on the eastern side of the circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of circulation.

The upper level trough over the western U.S. will steer Hurricane Pamela quickly toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. The circulation in the lower levels of Pamela will weaken quickly when it moves over the mountains in western Mexico. Pamela will drop locally heavy rain over parts of Sinaloa and Durango. Flash floods could occur in some locations. The remnants of of the middle and upper parts Pamela’s circulation could contribute to rainfall over Texas on Thursday.

Pamela Strengthens to a Hurricane Southwest of Mazatlan

Former Tropical Storm Pamela strengthened to a hurricane southwest of Mazatlan, Mexico on Tuesday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Pamela was located at latitude 19.9°N and longitude 109.0°W which put it about 280 miles (455 km) southwest of Mazatlan, Mexico. Pamela was moving toward the north at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (150 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 985 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Bahia Tempehuaya to Escuinapa, Mexico. The Hurricane Warning included Mazatlan. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portions of the coast from Altata to Bahia Tempehuaya, Mexico and from Escuinapa to Cabo Corrientes, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast of Baja California from Cabo San Lucas to Los Barilles.

Former Tropical Storm Pamela strengthened to a hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Mazatlan on Tuesday morning. More thunderstorms developed near the center of Hurricane Pamela. Those thunderstorms generated more upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane. The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Hurricane Pamela. Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) on the east side of Pamela. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Pamela will move through a region where the environment is somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 18 hours. Pamela will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the the southern part of an upper level trough over the western U.S. The trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Hurricane Pamela’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent Pamela from getting stronger.

Hurricane Pamela will move around the western part of a high pressure system over Mexico during the next few hours. The high pressure system will steer Pamela toward the north during that time period. The upper level trough over the western U.S. will turn Pamela toward the northeast in a few hours. On its anticipated track Hurricane Pamela will approach the west coast of Mexico early on Wednesday morning. Pamela will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the section of the coast near Mazatlan. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in parts of Sinaloa and Durango. The remnants of Pamela’s circulation could contribute to rainfall over Texas later this week,

Tropical Storm Nora Brings Rain to West Coast of Mexico

Tropical Storm Nora brought rain to the west coast of Mexico on Sunday. At 8:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Nora was located at latitude 24.5°N and longitude 107.7°W which put it about 85 miles (135 km) east-southeast of Los Mochis, Mexico. Nora was moving toward the north-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 992 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Mazatlan to Topolobampo, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Topolobampo to Huatabampito, Mexico.

Tropical Storm Nora moved northward along the west coast of Mexico on Sunday. The center passed near Mazatlan and Culiacan. The center remained over land during its northward track and former Hurricane Nora weakened to a tropical storm. Tropical Storm Nora dropped heavy rain over parts of Nayarit, Sinaloa and Durango. The heavy rain may have caused flash floods in some location.

Tropical Storm Nora will continue to move toward the north-northwest near the west coast of Mexico during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Nora will remain over land. So, Tropical Storm Nora will continue to weaken. Nora could bring locally heavy rain to Sinaloa, Sonora and Chihuahua as the tropical storm weakens over northwestern Mexico. The risk of flash floods will be high in those location.s

Tropical Storm Narda Moves Along West Coast of Mexico

Tropical Storm Narda moved along the west coast of Mexico on Monday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Narda was located at latitude 24.0°N and longitude 107.4°W which put it about 85 miles (135 km) northwest of Mazatlan, Mexico.  Narda was moving toward the northwest at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 998 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from San Blas to Guaymas, Mexico.

The center of Tropical Storm Narda move just to the west of the coast of Mexico on Monday, which allowed Narda to strengthen during the day.  A distinct low level center of circulation was evident on satellite images.  The center was over the warm water in the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  A ring of strong thunderstorms formed around the center of circulation and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Storms near the center of Narda were generating upper level divergence.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Narda.  The strongest rainbands were over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean west of Mexico.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 60 miles (95 km) from the center of circulation.  The stronger winds were also occurring in the rainbands over the water.

Tropical Storm Narda could strengthen further during the next 12 to 24 hours, if the center of circulation remains over water.  Narda will move over a portion of the Eastern North Pacific Ocean where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  An upper level ridge over Mexico was producing southeasterly winds which were blowing toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds were causing some vertical wind shear, but the shear was not strong enough to prevent intensification.  However, the center of Tropical Storm Narda is very near the west coast of Mexico and Narda will start to weaken again whenever the center moves inland.

The upper level ridge over Mexico will continue to steer Tropical Storm Narda toward the northwest for several more days.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Narda will continue to move very close to the west coast of Mexico.  Any wobble toward the east could bring the center of Narda inland again.  Tropical Storm Narda will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to coastal parts of Sinaloa and Sonora.  Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some parts of western Mexico.

Major Hurricane Willa Makes Landfall in Mexico

Major Hurricane Willa made landfall on the coast of Mexico between Teacapan and Mazatlan on Tuesday evening.  At 8:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Willa was located at latitude 22.6°N and longitude 106.0°W which put it about 50 miles (80 km) south-southeast of Mazatlan, Mexico.  Willa was moving toward the north-northeast at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 140 m.p.h. (220 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 965 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from San Blas to Mazatlan, Mexico.  Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portions of the coast from Playa Perula to San Blas and from Mazatlan to Bahia Tempehuaya, Mexico.

An eyewall replacement cycle occurred in the core of Hurricane Willa on Tuesday.  When the original inner eyewall dissipated, the core of Willa was larger even though the maximum sustained wind speed was slower.  Winds to hurricane force extend out about 35 miles from the the center of Hurricane Willa.  Winds to tropical storm force extend out about 100 miles from the center of circulation.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Willa is 22.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 12.7 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) s 34.8.  Hurricane Willa is capable of causing regional major damage.

Hurricane Willa will produce hurricane force winds along the coast between Tecuala and Mazatlan.  Those winds will be capable of causing major damage.  The winds will also push water toward the coast and a storm surge of 10 to 12 feet (3 to 4 meters) is possible.  Hurricane Willa will dissipate fairly quickly when it moves over the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains.  However, Willa will drop locally heavy rain over the southern part of Sinaloa and over Durango.  The locally heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Hurricane Willa Strengthens to Cat. 5, Poses Imminent Threat to Mexico

Hurricane Willa strengthened Monday morning to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale and Willa poses an imminent threat to Mexico.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane Willa was located at latitude 19.1°N and longitude 107.2°W which put it about 135 miles (215 km) southwest of Cabo Corrientes.  Willa was moving toward the north at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 190 m.p.h. (305 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 925 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from San Blas to Mazatlan, Mexico.  Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portion of the coast from Playa Perula to San Blas and from Mazatlan to Bahia Tempehuaya, Mexico.

Hurricane Willa strengthened from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in 36 hours.  Willa is a small, very well organized hurricane.  There is a small circular eye at the center of circulation.  The eye is surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds are occurring in that ring of storms.  Several bands of showers and thunderstorms are revolving around the core of Hurricane Willa.  Storms near the core are generating strong upper level divergence which is pumping mass away from the hurricane.

Hurricane Willa is a small hurricane.  Winds to hurricane force extend out about 30 miles ( 50 km) from the center of Willa.  Winds to tropical storm force extend out about 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Willa is 35.0.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 9.7 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 44.7.  The core of Hurricane Willa is capable of causing catastrophic damage.

Hurricane Willa will remain in an environment capable of supporting strong hurricanes for about another 24 hours.  Willa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  It will move through an environment where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  If an outer rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall, then an eyewall replacement cycle could cause Hurricane Willa to weaken.  An upper level trough near the West Coast of the U.S. will produce southwesterly winds which will blow toward the top of Hurricane Willa on Tuesday.  Those winds will cause vertical wind shear and the shear will start to weaken Willa.  Since Willa is a small hurricane, it will weaken faster than a larger hurricane would weaken.

Hurricane Willa will move around the western end of a ridge of high pressure over Mexico.  The ridge will steer Willa toward the north for another 12 hours or so.  Then the upper level trough will turn Hurricane Willa toward the northeast.  On its anticipated track Hurricane Willa will move over the Islas Marias on Tuesday morning.  Willa will reach the coast of Mexico between San Blas and Mazatlan on Tuesday afternoon or evening.

Hurricane Willa could still be a major hurricane when it reaches the coast of Mexico.   Willa will be capable of causing major damage.  The core of Hurricane Willa will bring damaging winds.  It will also produce a storm surge of 10 to 13 feet (3 to 4 meters) near where core of Willa makes landfall.  Hurricane Willa will drop heavy rain over Nayarit, Sinaloa and Durango.  The heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, upper level divergence from Hurricane Willa appeared to be causing wind shear which was weakening Tropical Storm Vicente.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Vicente was located at latitude 14.9°N and longitude 100.8°W which put it about 365 miles (590 km) southeast of Manzanillo, Mexico.  Vicente was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1004 mb.