Tropical Storm Norbert Intensifying

Tropical Storm Norbert is becoming more organized as it moves in the general direction of Baja California.  At 8:00 a.m. EDT the center of Norbert was located at latitude 19.7°N and longitude 108.3°W which put it about 245 miles south-southeast of the southern tip of Baja California.  Norbert was moving toward the west-northwest at 8 m.p.h.  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. and the minimum surface pressure was 999 mb.  The Tropical Storm Watch for the portion of the coast from La Paz to Sante Fe, Mexico has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning.  A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the portion of the coast from Sante Fe northward to Cabo San Lazaro.

Norbert is over warm Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) and the upper level wind shear appears to be decreasing.  Some satellite imagery is indicating that an eye could be forming in the mid-levels of the circulation.  Further intensification is likely and a period of more rapid intensification is possible.  Norbert could become a hurricane before it reaches cooler SSTs west of Baja California.