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Tropical Cyclone Anggrek Intensifies to Equivalent of Cat. 4 Hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek intensified to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale over the South Indian Ocean far to the south of Diego Garcia on Sunday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was located at latitude 22.2°S and longitude 72.7°E which put it about 1010 miles (1625 km) south of Diego Garcia. Anggrek was moving toward the west-southwest at 18 m.p.h. (29 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 950 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was small, but powerful. A circular eye with a diameter of 17 miles (28 km) was at the center of Anggrek’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 revolved around the core of Anggrek’ circulation. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. The upper level divergence pumped away more mass than was converging in the lower levels of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek. The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The small circulation around Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was very symmetrical. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Anggrek’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was 25.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 8.7 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 33.8.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will move through an environment favorable for a strong tropical cyclone during the next 24 hours. Anggrek will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Anggrek intensify during the next 24 hours. However, if the inner end of a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall, then concentric eyewalls could form. If concentric eyewalls form, then an eyewall replacement cycle could cause Anggrek to start to weakeny.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Anggrek toward the south during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will move farther away from Diego Garcia.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek Churns over South Indian Ocean

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek continued to churn over the South Indian Ocean south-southeast of Diego Garcia on Saturday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was located at latitude 19.7°S and longitude 78.6°E which put it about 975 miles (1570 km) southeast of south-Diego Garcia. Anggrek was moving toward the west-southwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 145 m.p.h. (230 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 965 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek continued to be the equivalent of a major hurricane as it churned over the South Indian Ocean on Saturday. A very small circular eye was present at the center of Anggrek’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 revolved around the core of Anggrek’ circulation. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. The upper level divergence was almost in balance with the convergence in the lower atmosphere and the intensity of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was nearly constant during the past 24 hours.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was small. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Anggrek’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (150 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was 20.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 7.7 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 28.3.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Anggrek will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Anggrek is in an equilibrium with its environment, but Anggrek could intensify a little during the next 24 hours. However, if the inner end of a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall, then concentric eyewalls could form. If concentric eyewalls form, then an eyewall replacement cycle could cause Anggrek to weaken temporarily.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Anggrek toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will remain far to the south of Diego Garcia.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Candice weakened rapidly south-southeast of Mauritius. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Candice was located at latitude 29.2°S and longitude 60.2°E which put it about 620 miles (1000 km) south-southeast of Port Louis, Mauritius. Candice was moving toward the south-southwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h). 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 1003 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek Intensifies to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the South Indian Ocean southeast of Diego Garcia on Friday morning. At 4:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was located at latitude 17.2°S and longitude 86.0°E which put it about 1160 miles (1870 km) southeast of Diego Garcia. Anggrek was moving toward the west-southwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 958 mb.

A small circular eye was present at the center of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek. 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 revolved around the core of Anggrek’ circulation. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the tropical cyclone. The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was symmetrical. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Anggrek’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was 22.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 12.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 35.0.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Anggrek will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Anggrek is likely to intensify during the next 24 hours. If the inner end of a rainband wraps around the existing eye and eyewall, then concentric eyewalls could form. If concentric eyewalls form, then an eyewall replacement cycle could cause Anggrek to weaken temporarily.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Anggrek toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will remain far to the southeast of Diego Garcia.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Candice moved farther to the southeast of Mauritius. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Candice was located at latitude 27.1°S and longitude 62.3°E which put it about 565 miles (910 km) southeast of Port Louis, Mauritius. Candice was moving toward the southeast 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. (170 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 988 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek Strengthens to Equivalent of Cat. 2 Hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek strengthened to the equivalent of a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale over the South Indian Ocean on Thursday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was located at latitude 16.3°S and longitude 87.9°E which put it about 1225 miles (1975 km) southeast of Diego Garcia. Anggrek was moving toward the west-southwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (170 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 972 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek intensified more rapidly on Thursday. A circular eye with a diameter of 18 miles (29 km) formed at the center of Anggrek’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 revolved around the core of Tropical Cyclone Anggrek. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the tropical cyclone. The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease more rapidly.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was more symmetrical on Thursday. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 45 miles (75 km) from the center of Anggrek’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Anggrek was 17.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 14.7 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 32.5.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Anggrek will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the South Indian Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be less vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Anggrek is likely to intensify to the equivalent of a major hurricane during the next 24 hours. Anggrek could intensify rapidly at times.

Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Anggrek toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Anggrek will remain far to the southeast of Diego Garcia.

Elsewhere over the South Indian Ocean, Tropical Cyclone Candice moved farther away from Mauritius. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Candice was located at latitude 24.1°S and longitude 60.6°E which put it about 315 miles (505 km) southeast of Port Louis, Mauritius. Candice was moving toward the southeast at 22 m.p.h. (35 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. (170 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 982 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Belal Brings Strong Winds, Heavy Rain to La Reunion

Tropical Cyclone Belal brought strong winds and heavy rain to La Reunion on Monday. A Red Alert was in effect for La Reunion. At 10:00 a.m. EST on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Belal was located at latitude 21.5°S and longitude 56.5°E which put it about 75 miles (120 km) southeast of St. Denis, La Reunion. Belal was moving toward the southeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 975 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Belal produced strong winds and dropped heavy rain in La Reunion on Monday. A weather station at Roland Garros Airport in St.Denis, La Reunion reported a sustained wind speed of 56 kt (64 m.p.h. or 104 km/h) and a wind gust of 76 kt (87 m.p.h. or 141 km/h). A weather station at Plaines Des Palmistes measured 698.8 mm (27.51 inches) of rain during the past 24 hours. A weather station at Bellecombe-Jacob measured 667.4 mm (26.27 inches) of rain during the past 24 hours. The weather station at Roland Garros Airport reported 189.9 mm (7.47 inches) of rain during the past 24 hours.

There were also reports of heavy rain and flooding in Mauritius. A weather station at Quatre Bornes, Mauritius reported 176.9 mm (6.96 inches) of rain during the past 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Belal was the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Belal’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 130 miles (210 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Belal was 12.7. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 12.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 25.2. Tropical Cyclone Belal was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Dolly when Dolly hit south Texas in 2008.

Tropical Cyclone Belal will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Belal will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The upper level ridge will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Belal’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The vertical wind shear is likely to cause Tropical Cyclone Belal to weaken gradually during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Belal will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Belal toward the east-southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Belal will move slowly away from La Reunion during the next 24 hours. The center of Belal’s circulation will be south of Mauritius later today.

The strong winds will gradually weaken over La Reunion as Tropical Cyclone Belal moves farther away. Heavy rain will also diminish. Gust winds and locally heavy rain will continue to affect Mauritius during the next 24 hours. Prolonged heavy rain will cause additional flooding in Mauritius.

Tropical Cyclone Belal Nears La Reunion

Tropical Cyclone Belal neared La Reunion on Sunday night. A Violet Alert was in effect for La Reunion. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Belal was located at latitude 20.7°S and longitude 54.8°E which put it about 50 miles (80 km) west of St. Denis, La Reunion. Belal was moving toward the southeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 968 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Belal intensified to the equivalent of a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale as it approached La Reunion on Sunday. A small eye was present at the center of Belal’s circulation on some microwave satellite images. 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 Cyclone Belal. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Belal was relatively small. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Belal’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Belal was 17.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 7.8 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 25.6. Tropical Cyclone Belal was capable of causing localized serious damage.

Tropical Cyclone Belal will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Belal will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The upper level ridge will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Belal’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear. The vertical wind shear could prevent Tropical Cyclone Belal from intensifying on Monday.

Tropical Cyclone Belal will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Belal toward the east-southeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Belal will reach La Reunion during the next few hours. Tropical Cyclone Belal will bring strong winds and heavy rain to La Reunion. The core of Belal’s circulation with the strongest winds could pass directly over La Reunion. The strong winds will be capable of causing serious damage. Heavy rain will likely cause flash floods in some location. Belal could cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along parts of the coast of La Reunion. Bands in the northern part of Tropical Cyclone Belal will also bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Mauritius.

Tropical Cyclone Belal Strengthens to Equivalent of a Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Belal strengthened to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the Southwest Indian Ocean on Saturday. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Belal was located at latitude 18.4°S and longitude 53.5°E which put it about 200 miles (325 km) northwest of St. Denis, la Reunion. Belal was moving toward the southwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 980 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Belal strengthened to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the Southwest Indian Ocean northwest of la Reunion on Saturday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the northern and eastern sides of the center Belal’s circulation. An eye appeared to be forming at the center of circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms revolved around the core of Tropical Cyclone Belal. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Belal was more symmetrical on Saturday. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Belal’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Belal was 11.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 10.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 21.6.

Tropical Cyclone Belal will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Belal will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Southwest Indian Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Belal will continue to intensify on Sunday. Belal could intensify rapidly after an inner core with an eye and an eyewall is fully developed. Tropical Cyclone Belal could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane during the next 36 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Belal will move around the western part of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean. The high pressure system will steer Belal toward the southeast during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Cyclone Belal could reach la Reunion in 36 hours. Belal could be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it reaches la Reunion. Tropical Cyclone Belal will bring strong winds and heavy rain to la Reunion. The strong winds will be capable of causing major damage. Heavy rain will likely cause flash floods in some location. Belal could cause a storm surge of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) along parts of the coast of la Reunion. Tropical Cyclone Belal will also bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Mauritius.

Tropical Cyclone Jasper Intensifies to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Jasper intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the Coral Sea on Thursday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Jasper was located at latitude 14.0°S and longitude 156.6°E which put it about 755 miles (1220 km) east-northeast of Cairns, Australia. Jasper was moving toward the south 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 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 951 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Jasper continued to strengthen on Thursday and it reached an intensity equivalent to a major hurricane. A circular eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) formed at the center of Jasper’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 Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone in all directions. The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Jasper was symmetrical. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Jasper’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 180 miles (290 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Jasper was 22.0. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 15.3 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 37.3. Tropical Cyclone Jasper was capable of causing regional major damage.

Tropical Cyclone Jasper will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Jasper will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move under the western part of an upper level ridge over the South Pacific Ocean. The upper level ridge will produce northerly winds that will blow toward the top of Jasper’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification but the shear may not be enough to stop Jasper from strengthening. Tropical Cyclone Jasper could intensify during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Jasper will move around the northern part of a high pressure system over the South Pacific Ocean east of Australia. The high pressure system will steer Jasper toward the southwest during the next 24 hours. The high pressure system will steer Jasper toward the west during the weekend. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Jasper will approach the north coast of Queensland in a few days.

Cat. 5 Hurricane Otis Hits Acapulco

Category 5 Hurricane Otis hit Acapulco, Mexico on Tuesday night. Otis started to weaken after it made landfall. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Otis was located at latitude 17.7°N and longitude 100.3°W which put it about 60 miles (95 km) north-northwest of Acapulco, Mexico. Otis was moving toward the north-northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 110 m.p.h. (175 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 965 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Punta Maldonado to Zihuatanejo, Mexico. The Hurricane Warning included Acapulco.

Hurricane Otis strengthened to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale before it made landfall on the coast of Mexico on Tuesday night. A circular eye with a diameter of 17 miles (28 km) was at the center of Hurricane Otis at the time of landfall. Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Hurricane Otis. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 36.7. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.3 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 46.0. Hurricane Otis was similar in intensity to Hurricane Michael when Michael hit Northwest Florida in 2018. Otis was a little smaller than Michael was.

Hurricane Otis brought destructive winds and heavy rain to the area around Acapulco. Otis was capable of causing catastrophic damage. Widespread outages of electricity are likely. Otis dropped heavy rain in Guerrero. Heavy rain was likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Otis could have produced a storm surge of up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) along the coast.

Hurricane Otis Rapidly Intensifies to Cat. 5

Hurricane Otis rapidly intensified to Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Tuesday evening. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Otis was located at latitude 16.1°N and longitude 99.7°W which put it about 55 miles (905 km) south-southeast of Acapulco, Mexico. Otis was moving toward the north-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 927 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Punta Maldonado to Zihuatanejo, Mexico. The Hurricane Warning included Acapulco. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Lagunas de Chacahua to Punta Maldonado, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Lagunas de Chacahua to Punta Maldonado, Mexico.

Hurricane Otis continued to intensify rapidly on Tuesday evening. A circular eye with a diameter of 17 miles (28 km) was at the center of Hurricane Otis. 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 Otis. Storms near the core of Otis generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the hurricane in all directions. The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Hurricane Otis. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 35.0. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.3 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 44.3. Hurricane Otis was similar in intensity to Hurricane Michael when Michael hit Northwest Florida in 2018. Otis was a little smaller than Michael was.

Hurricane Otis will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the Gulf of Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Otis toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Hurricane Otis will make landfall near Acapulco in a few hours.

Hurricane Otis will move through an environment favorable for intensification until it makes landfall on the coast of Mexico. Otis will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. An upper level ridge over Gulf of Mexico will produce southeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Otis’ circulation. The winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will also blow from the southeast and there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Otis could intensify more before it makes landfall.

Hurricane Otis could be a Category 5 hurricane when it makes landfall near Acapulco. Otis will be capable of causing catastrophic damage. Hurricane Otis will bring extremely strong winds to Acapulco. Widespread outages of electricity are likely. Otis will also drop heavy rain on Guerrero. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Otis could produce a storm surge of up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) along the coast.