Tag Archives: Mexico

Tropical Storm Helene Prompts Hurricane and Storm Surge Warnings for Florida

The risk posed by Tropical Storm Helene prompted the issuance of a Hurricane Warning and a Storm Surge Warning for the west coast of Florida.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located at latitude 19.7°N and longitude 84.7°W which put the center about 155 miles (250 km) east-southeast of Cozumel, Mexico.  Helene was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 995 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Anclote River to Mexico Beach, Florida.  A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Catoche to Tulum, Mexico.  That Hurricane Warning includes Cancun and Cozumel.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Anclote River to Englewood, Florida.  The Hurricane Watch includes Tampa Bay.  A Hurricane Watch is also in effect for the Cuban province of Pinar del Rio.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Anclote River to Flamingo, Florida.  The Tropical Storm Warning includes Tampa Bay.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Lower and Middle Florida Keys west of Channel 5 Bridge.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Dry Tortugas.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Rio Lagartos to Cabo Catoche, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the Cuban provinces of Artemisa, Pinar del Rio and Isle of Youth.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Lake Okeechobee.  A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Palm Beach/Martin County Line, Florida to Savannah River, Georgia.

Tropical Storm Helene strengthened on Tuesday afternoon.  The center of Helene’s circulation was near NOAA buoy 42056.  The buoy measured a surface pressure of 996 mb.

The inner end of a rainband started to wrap around the center of Tropical Storm Helene.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Helene’s circulation.  More thunderstorms also developed in bands in the western side of Tropical Storm Helene.  Storms near the center of Helene’s circulation generated more upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of more mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

Even though Tropical Storm Helene was strengthening, the distribution of wind speeds around Helene was still asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Helene.  The winds in the western side of Helene’s circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Helene will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Helene will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the western Gulf of Mexico and the northwestern Caribbean Sea.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Helene will intensify during the next 24 hours. Helene is likely to strengthen to a hurricane by Wednesday morning.  Helene could intensify rapidly after an inner core with an eye and an eyewall develops.

Tropical Storm Helene will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Helene toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Helene will be near the northeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday morning.  Helene will move over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday.  Helene is likely to approach northern Florida on Thursday afternoon.

Tropical Storm Helene is likely to be a hurricane when it reaches the northeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula.  Helene will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the northeastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula and to western Cuba.

Tropical Storm Helene could be a major hurricane when it approaches northern Florida on Thursday.  Helene will bring strong winds and heavy rain to northern Florida.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods.  Helene could also cause a storm surge of up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) along portions of the west coast of Florida.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Indian Pass to Flamingo, Florida.  The Storm Surge Warning includes Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.

Tropical Storm Helene Forms Over Northwest Caribbean Sea

Tropical Storm Helene formed over the Northwestern Caribbean Sea on Tuesday.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located at latitude 19.4°N and longitude 84.5°W which put the center about 175 miles (280 km) south of the western tip of Cuba.  Helene 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 999 mb.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Indian Pass to Englewood, Florida.  The Hurricane Watch includes Tampa Bay.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Catoche to Tulum, Mexico.  The Hurricane Watch includes Cancun and Cozumel.  A Hurricane Watch is also in effect for the Cuban province of Pinar del Rio.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Lower Florida Keys west of Seven Mile Bridge.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Dry Tortugas.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Rio Lagartos to Tulum, Mexico.  The Tropical Storm Warning includes Cancun and Cozumel.  A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the Cuban provinces of Artemisa, Pinar del Rio and Isle of Youth.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Middle Florida Keys from Seven Mile Bridge to Channel 5 Bridge.  A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Englewood to Flamingo, Florida.  A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Walton/Bay County Line to Indian Pass, Florida.

A U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter reconnaissance aircraft found that a low pressure system previously designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine had strengthened over the Northwestern Caribbean Sea on Tuesday morning.  Based on data collected by the reconnaissance flight, the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Helene.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Helene exhibited more organization on Tuesday.  The reconnaissance plane found a well defined low level center of circulation.  Even though the circulation around Helene was more organized, the distribution of thunderstorms was still asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Helene.  Bands in the western side of Helene consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  More thunderstorms were starting to develop in the bands in the western side of Helene’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Helene began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Helene was also asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) in the eastern side of Helene’s circulation.  The winds in the western side of Tropical Storm Helene were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Helene will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Helene will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the western Gulf of Mexico and the northwestern Caribbean Sea.   The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Helene will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Helene is likely to strengthen to a hurricane by Wednesday morning.

Tropical Storm Helene will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Helene toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Helene will be near the northeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula on Wednesday morning.  Helene will move over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday.  Helene is likely to approach northern Florida on Thursday afternoon.

Tropical Storm Helene is likely to be a hurricane when it reaches the northeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula.  Helene will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the northeastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula and to western Cuba.

Tropical Storm Helene could be a major hurricane when it approaches northern Florida on Thursday.  Helene will bring strong winds and heavy rain to northern Florida.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods.  Helene could also cause a storm surge of up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) along portions of the coast of Florida.

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Indian Pass to Flamingo, Florida.  The Storm Surge Watch includes Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.

Hurricane John Hits Mexico

Rapidly intensifying Hurricane John hit the coast of Mexico near Punta Maldonado on Monday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane John was located at latitude 16.3°N and longitude 98.8°W which put the center about 15 miles (25 km) west of Punta Maldonado, Mexico.   John was moving toward the north at 8 m.p.h. (13 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. (225 km/h).v  The minimum surface pressure was 959 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Acapulco to Bahias de Huatulco, Mexico.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Bahias de Huatulco to Salina Cruz, Mexico. 

Hurricane John rapidly intensified to a major hurricane as it approached the coast of Mexico near Punta Maldonado on Monday night.  A circular eye with a diameter of 6 miles (10 km) was at the center of John’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Hurricane John.

The circulation around Hurricane John was very small.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 15 miles (25 km) from the center of John’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Hurricane John.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane John was 22.1  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 4.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 26.1.  Hurricane John was capable of causing localized major damage.

Hurricane John will move inland over eastern Guerrero and western Oaxaca on Tuesday.  John will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the region around Punta Maldonado.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.  Hurricane John could also cause a storm surge of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along the coast near Punta Maldonado.

Hurricane John will weaken very quickly as it moves inland because of the small size of its circulation.  Even though John will weaken quickly, it will still drop heavy rain over parts of eastern Guerrero and western Oaxaca.  Flash floods are likely to occur in that region on Tuesday before Hurricane John dissipates.

John Rapidly Intensifies to a Hurricane South of Mexico

Former Tropical Storm John rapidly intensified to a hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Mexico on Monday.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Hurricane John was located at latitude 15.1°N and longitude 98.4°W which put the center about 85 miles (135 km) south of Punta Maldonado, Mexico.   John was moving toward the north at 3 m.p.h. (5 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 980 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Punta Maldonado to Bahias de Huatulco, Mexico.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Bahias de Huatulco to Salina Cruz, Mexico.  A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Punta Maldonado to Acapulco, Mexico.

Former Tropical Storm John continued to intensify rapidly on Monday afternoon.  A small eye was present at the center of Hurricane John.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Hurricane John.  Storms near the core of John’s circulation generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.

The circulation around Hurricane John was small.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 15 miles (25 km) from the center of John’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Hurricane John.

Hurricane John will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  John will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will be in a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane John will intensify during the next 24 hours.  John could continue to intensify rapidly.  Hurricane John could to strengthen to a major hurricane.

Hurricane John will move around the southeastern part of a large counterclockwise circulation over southern Mexico sometimes called a Central American Gyre (CAG).  The large counterclockwise circulation will steer John slowly toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Hurricane John will reach the coast of Mexico near Punta Maldonado on Tuesday.

Hurricane John could be a major hurricane when it approaches the coast of Mexico.  John will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of southern Mexico.  Very heavy rain is likely to fall in Chiapas, Oaxaca, and southeast Guerrero.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.  Tropical Storm John also could cause a storm surge of 12 feet (3.6 meters) along parts of the coast.

 

Tropical Storm John Rapidly Intensifies South of Mexico

Tropical Storm John rapidly intensified over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Mexico on Monday morning.  A Hurricane Warning was issued for a portion of the coast of Mexico.  At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm John was located at latitude 14.5°N and longitude 98.5°W which put the center about 125 miles (200 km) south of Punta Maldonado, Mexico.  John was moving toward the north-northeast at 3 m.p.h. (5 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Punta Maldonado to Bahias de Huatulco, Mexico.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Bahias de Huatulco to Salina Cruz, Mexico.

Former Tropical Depression Ten-E rapidly intensified to Tropical Storm John on Monday morning.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of John’s circulation and a small eye was forming at the center of Tropical Storm John.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Tropical Storm John.  Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

The circulation around Tropical Storm John was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of John’s circulation.

Tropical Storm John will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  John will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will be in a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm John will intensify during the next 24 hours.  John is likely to strengthen to a hurricane.

Tropical Storm John will move around the southeastern part of a large counterclockwise circulation over southern Mexico sometimes called a Central American Gyre (CAG).  The large counterclockwise circulation will steer John slowly toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm John will approach the coast of Mexico on Tuesday.

Tropical Storm John is likely to be a hurricane when it approaches the coast of Mexico.  John will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of southern Mexico.  Very heavy rain is likely to fall in Chiapas, Oaxaca, and southeast Guerrero.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.  Tropical Storm John also could cause a storm surge of 8 feet (2,4 meters) along parts of the coast.

 

Low Pressure System Forms Over Western Caribbean Sea

A low pressure system formed over the western Caribbean Sea on Sunday.  The U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Invest 97L.  At 8:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Invest 97L was located at latitude 15.7°N and longitude 92.8°W which put the center about 425 miles (690 km) southeast of Cozmel, Mexico.  The low pressure system was moving toward the north-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 25 m.p.h. (40 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

A low pressure system formed over the western Caribbean Sea northeast of Cabo Gracias a Dios on Sunday.  Thunderstorms developed in the eastern side of the low pressure that was over the western Caribbean Sea.  Much of the western side of Invest 97L was over Honduras and Nicaragua.  Bands in the western side of the low pressure system consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The low pressure system designated as Invest 97L will move through an environment favorable for the formation of a tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours.  Invest 97L The tropical depression will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the western Caribbean Sea.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Invest 97L is likely to form into a tropical depression or a tropical storm on Monday.

A reconnaissance plane is tentatively scheduled to investigated the low pressure system on Monday afternoon, if necessary.

The low pressure system designated as Invest 97L will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Invest 97L toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the low pressure system will move over the northwestern Caribbean Sea on Monday.  Invest 97L is likely to move into the Gulf of Mexico by the middle of the week.

Depression Prompts Tropical Storm Watch for Mexico

The formation of Tropical Depression Ten-E over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean prompted the issuance of a Tropical Storm Watch for a portion of the coast of Mexico.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Depression Ten-E was located at latitude 13.8°N and longitude 98.7°W which put the center about 175 miles (280 km) south of Punta Maldonado, Mexico.  The tropical depression was stationary.  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1005 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Punta Maldonado to Salina Cruz, Mexico.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean strengthened on Sunday afternoon and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Depression Ten-E.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Tropical Depression Ten-E.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms began to revolve around the center of the tropical depression.  Storms near the center of circulation began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical depression.

Tropical Depression Ten-E will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  The tropical depression will be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will be in a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Depression Ten-E is likely to strengthen to a tropical storm during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Depression Ten-E will be in an area where the steering winds are weak during the next 24 hours.  The tropical depression is likely to move very slowly toward the north on Monday.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression Ten-E will move a little closer to Mexico.

Tropical Storm Ileana Makes Landfall on West Coast of Mexico

The center of Tropical Storm Ileana made landfall on the west coast of Mexico south of Los Mochis on Saturday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Ileana was located at latitude 25.5°N and longitude 108.9°W which put the center about 20 miles (30 km) south-southeast of Los Mochis, Mexico.  Ileana was moving toward the north at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 1002 mb.

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

The center of Tropical Storm Ileana made landfall on the west coast of Mexico near Topolobampo.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern and eastern sides of the center of Ileana’s circulation.   Bands in the southern and western parts of Tropical Storm Ileana consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The strongest winds were occurring in the eastern side of Tropical Storm Ileana.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) in the eastern side of Ileana’s circulation.  The winds in the western side of Tropical Storm Ileana were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Ileana will move around the western side of a high pressure system over Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Ileana toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Ileana will move near the west coast of Mexico.

Tropical Storm Ileana will weaken to a tropical depression this evening as it moves a little farther inland.  Ileana will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Sinaloa.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Storm Ileana Brings Wind and Rain to Southern Baja California

Tropical Storm Ileana brought gusty winds and rain to the southern part of Baja California on Friday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Ileana was located at latitude 22.7°N and longitude 109.4°W which put the center about 35 miles (55 km) east-southeast of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.   Ileana was moving toward the north-northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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. (9 km/h).   The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Santa Fe to San Evaristo, Mexico.  The Tropical Storm Warning includes Cabo San Lucas and La Paz.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from San Evaristo to Loreto, Mexico.  A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Topolobampo to Huatabampito, Mexico.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Ileana was not particularly well organized on Friday afternoon.  The northwestern part of Illeana’s circulation was passing over the southern end of Baja California.  The flow of air over land may have been disrupting the circulation.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Ileana.  Easterly winds pushing air up slopes in southern Baja California may have been contributing to the development of thunderstorms in that part of Ileana’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Ileana generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the northeast of the tropical storm.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Ileana was asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) in the eastern side of Ileana’s circulation.  The winds in the western part of Tropical Storm Ileana were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Ileana will move through an environment that will become less favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Ileana will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level trough over the Southwest U.S.  The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Ileana’s circulation.  Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase.  Tropical Storm Ileana is likely to weaken when the vertical wind shear increases.  The center of Ileana’s circulation could move across the southeastern tip of Baja California, which would also cause Tropical Storm Ileana to weaken.

Tropical Storm Ileana will move around the western end of a high pressure system over Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Ileana toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Ileana will move across the southeastern tip of Baja California and over the southern Gulf of California.

Tropical Storm Ileana will continue to bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the southern part of Baja California during the next 24 hours.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

 

Tropical Storm Ileana Forms South of Baja California

Tropical Storm Ileana formed south of Baja California on Thursday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Ileana was located at latitude 19.9°N and longitude 108.0°W which put the center about 240 miles (385 km) south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  Ileana was moving toward the north-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 1001 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Santa Fe to San Evaristo, Mexico.  The Tropical Storm Warning includes Cabo San Lucas and La Paz.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from San Evaristo to Loreto, Mexico.  A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Topolobampo to Huatabampito, Mexico.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Baja California strengthened on Thursday afternoon and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Ileana.  More thunderstorms were developing near the center of Ileana’s circulation.  However, the distribution of theunderstorms in Tropical Storm Ileana was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western side of Ileana’s circulation.  Bands in the eastern side of Ileana consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Ileana was also asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Ileana’s circulation.  The winds in the other parts of Ileana were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Ileana will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Ileana will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the southwestern part of an upper level ridge over Mexico.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Ileana’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Ileana is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Ileana will move around the western end of a high pressure system over Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Ileana toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Ileana will reach the southern end of Baja California on Friday morning.

Tropical Storm Ileana will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the southern part of Baja California.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.