Tag Archives: Mexico

Otis Prompts Tropical Storm Watch for Mexico

A risk posed by Tropical Storm Otis prompted the issuance of a Tropical Storm Watch for a portion of the coast of Mexico on Monday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Otis was located at latitude 12.0°N and longitude 97.5°W which put it about 375 miles (605 km) south-southeast of Acapulco, Mexico. Otis 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. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Lagunas de Chacahua to Tecpan de Galeana, Mexico.

Tropical Storm strengthened gradually over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Mexico on Monday morning. Even though Otis was strengthening, the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical. Many of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western side of Otis’ circulation. Bands in the eastern part of Tropical Storm Otis consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. An upper level ridge over Mexico was producing easterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Otis’ circulation. Those winds were causing vertical wind shear and the wind shear was causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.

Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Otis.

Tropical Storm Otis will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Otis will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. However, the upper level ridge over Mexico will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but Tropical Storm Otis could intensify gradually during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Otis will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over Mexico. The high pressure will steer Otis toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Otis will move closer to southern Mexico.

Elsewhere, former Hurricane Norma weakened to a tropical depression over Mexico. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression Norma was located at latitude 24.9°N and longitude 107.7°W which put it about 15 miles (25 km) west-northwest of Culiacan, Mexico. Norma was moving toward the east-northeast at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 1000 mb.

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 Norma Approaches Baja California

Hurricane Norma approached the southern end of Baja California on Friday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Norma was located at latitude 20.1°N and longitude 109.8°W which put it about 195 miles (310 km) south of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Norma was moving toward the north-northwest 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. (220 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 955 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 Watch was in effect for Las Islas Marias. A Tropical Storm Watch was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Topolobampo to Bahia Tempehuaya, Mexico.

Hurricane Norma was still a major hurricane as it approached the southern end of Baja California on Friday afternoon. A circular eye with a diameter of 18 miles (30 km) was at the center of Norma’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 Norma. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.

Winds to hurricane force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Hurricane Norma. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center of Norma’s circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 22.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 13.3 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 35.4. Hurricane Norma was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Delta when Delta hit Louisiana in 2020.

Hurricane Norma will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Norma will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. However, an upper level trough west of Baja California will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Norma’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will cause Hurricane Norma will to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane Norma will move around the western part of a high pressure system over Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Norma toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Norma will approach the southern end of Baja California on Saturday morning. Norma will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the southern end of Baja California. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Hurricane Norma could cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters along the coast at the southern end of Baja California.

Norma Prompts Hurricane Warning for Baja California

The potential risk posed by Hurricane Norma prompted the issuance of a Hurricane Warning for the southern part of Baja California. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Norma was located at latitude 18.2°N and longitude 108.1°W which put it about 345 miles (555 km) south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Norma was moving toward the north at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 948 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. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for Los Islas Marias. Tropical Storm Watches were also in effect for the portions of the coast from Todos Santos to Santa Fe, Mexico and from Los Barriles to La Paz, Mexico.

Hurricane Norma weakened slowly on Thursday evening. An upper level trough west of Baja California was producing southwesterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Norma’s circulation. Those winds were causing the vertical wind shear to increase. The eye at the center of Hurricane Norma was less distinct on satellite images. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Norma’s circulation. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.

Winds to hurricane force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Hurricane Norma. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center of Norma’s circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Norma was 22.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 12.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 34.6. Hurricane Norma was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Delta when Delta hit southwest Louisiana in 2020.

Hurricane Norma will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Norma will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. However, the upper level trough west of Baja California will continue to produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Norma’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will cause Hurricane Norma will to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Hurricane Norma will move around the western part of a high pressure system over Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Norma toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Norma could approach the southern end of Baja California on Friday night. Norma will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the southern end of Baja California. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Norma Rapidly Intensifies to a Major Hurricane

Hurricane Norma rapidly intensified to a major hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean on Thursday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Norma was located at latitude 17.0°N and longitude 107.5°W which put it about 430 miles (690 km) south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Norma was moving toward the north at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 950 mb.

A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Todos Santos to Los Barriles, Mexico. The Hurricane Watch included Cabo San Lucas.

Hurricane Norma rapidly intensified to a major hurricane on Thursday morning. A circular eye with a diameter of 23 miles (37 km) was at the center of Norma’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 Norma. Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.

Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Hurricane Norma. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center of Norma’s circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Norma was 23.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 10.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 34.2. Hurricane Norma was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Dennis when Dennis hit Northwest Florida in 2005.

Hurricane Norma will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Norma will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Norma could continue to intensify during the next 12 hours. An upper level trough west of Baja California will approach Norma later on Thursday. The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Norma’s circulation. Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear to increase. Hurricane Norma will start to weaken when the wind shear increases.

Hurricane Norma will move around the western part of a high pressure system over Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Norma toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Norma could approach the southern end of Baja California on Friday night. Norma will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the southern end of Baja California. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Norma Rapidly Intensifies to a Hurricane

Former Tropical Storm Norma rapidly intensified to a hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Baja California on Wednesday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Norma was located at latitude 15.6°N and longitude 108.0°W which put it about 520 miles (835 km) south-southeast 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 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 984 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Norma rapidly intensified to a hurricane on Wednesday. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Norma’s circulation and an eye was forming at the center. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Hurricane Norma. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane. Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) in the eastern side of Norma’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Hurricane Norma.

Hurricane Norma will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Norma will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Norma will intensify during the next 24 hours. Norma could intensify rapidly to a major hurricane on Thursday.

Hurricane Norma will move around the western part of a high pressure system over Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Norma toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Norma could approach the southern end of Baja California on Saturday. Norma is likely to be a hurricane when it approaches Baja California.

Tropical Storm Norma Forms South of Baja California

Tropical Storm Norma formed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Baja California on Tuesday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Norma was located at latitude 13.2°N and longitude 107.3°W which put it about 690 miles (1110 km) south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Norma was moving toward the west-northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 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.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Baja California strengthened on Tuesday and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Norma. The circulation around Tropical Storm Norma exhibited more organization on Tuesday afternoon. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Norma’s circulation. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) in the northern side of Tropical Storm Norma. Winds in the southern side of Norma’s circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Norma will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Norma will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 27°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Norma will intensify during the next 36 hours. Norma could strengthen to a hurricane within 36 hours. Tropical Storm Norma could start to intensify rapidly after an inner core with an eye and eyewall develop.

Tropical Storm Norma will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Norma toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. Tropical Storm Norma will move more toward the north later this week when it moves around the western end of the high pressure system. On its anticipated track Norma could approach the southern end of Baja California during the weekend. Norma is likely to be a hurricane when it approaches Baja California.

Hurricane Lidia Hits Mexico Near Puerto Vallarta

Powerful Hurricane Lidia hit the coast of Mexico near Puerto Vallarta on Tuesday evening. At 8:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Lidia was located at latitude 20.1°N and longitude 105.5°W which put it about 35 miles (55 km) south-southwest of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Lidia was moving toward the east-northeast at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 140 m.p.h. (220 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 165 m.p.h. (265 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 942 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Manzanillo to El Roblito, Mexico. A Hurricane Warning was in effect for Las Islas Marias. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from El Roblito to Mazatlan, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Manzanillo to Punta San Telmo, Mexico.

Hurricane Lidia rapidly intensified to Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale prior to making landfall on the west coast of Mexico. Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Lidia. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 28.3. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 9.8 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 38.1. Hurricane Lidia was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Charley when Charley hit Southwest Florida in 2004.

An upper level trough west of Baja California will steer Hurricane Lidia toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Lidia will move quickly inland over Jalisco. Lidia will weaken steadily as it moves farther inland. Even though it will weaken, Hurricane Lidia be capable of causing severe damage. Lidia will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain. Regional outages of electricity are likely. Heavy rain will fall in Jalisco and Nayarit. The heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Hurricane Lidia could cause a storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) along the coast of Jalisco.

Lidia Rapidly Intensifies to a Major Hurricane Southwest of Puerto Vallarta

Hurricane Lidia rapidly intensified to a major hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southwest of Puerto Vallarta on Tuesday afternoon. At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Lidia was located at latitude 19.2°N and longitude 107.2°W which put it about 155 miles (255 km) southwest of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Lidia was moving toward the east-northeast at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 135 m.p.h. (220 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 959 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Manzanillo to El Roblito, Mexico. A Hurricane Warning was in effect for Las Islas Marias. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from El Roblito to Mazatlan, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from Manzanillo to Punta San Telmo, Mexico.

Hurricane Lidia rapidly intensified to a major hurricane on Tuesday. A U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter plane reported a circular eye with a diameter of 17 miles (28 km) was present at the center of Lidia’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 center of Hurricane Lidia. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.

The size of the circulation around Hurricane Lidia increased on Tuesday. Winds to hurricane force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Lidia. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) was 20.6. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 8.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 29.1. Hurricane Lidia was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Zeta when Zeta made landfall in Louisiana in 2020.

Hurricane Lidia will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few hours. Lidia will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the eastern side of an upper level trough that is west of Baja California. The upper level trough will produce southwesterly winds that will blow toward the top of Lidia’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Hurricane Lidia will intensity during the next few hours. Lidia could continue to intensify rapidly.

The upper level trough west of Baja California will steer Hurricane Lidia toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Hurricane Lidia will make landfall near Puerto Vallarta on Tuesday evening. Lidia will be a major hurricane when it makes landfall. Hurricane Lidia will bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain. The strong winds will be capable of causing major damage. Regional outages of electricity are likely. Heavy rain will fall in Jalisco and Nayarit. The heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. Hurricane Lidia could cause a storm surge of up to 13 feet (4 meters) along the coast of Jalisco.