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Tropical Storm Cristina Meanders West of Nicaragua

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Tropical Storm Cristina was meandering over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean just to the west of northwestern Nicaragua on Tuesday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Cristina was located at latitude 12.7°N and longitude 87.8°W which put the center about 110 miles (175 km) west-northwest of Managua, Nicaragua.   Cristina was moving toward the west-northwest at 1 m.p.h. (2 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 1006 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Sandino, Nicaragua to the border with Honduras.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Pacific coast of Honduras.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the entire coast of El Salvador.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Cristina exhibited more organization on Tuesday afternoon.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Cristina’s circulation.  New thunderstorms also developed in bands in the western and southern parts of Tropical Storm Cristina.  Bands in the eastern and northern sections of Cristina’s circulation still consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Cristina generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical storm.  The removal of mass in the upper levels of the atmosphere was nearly equal to the convergence of mass in the lower levels.  So, the surface pressure did not change much.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Cristina was asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) in the southern half of Cristina’s circulation.  The winds in the northern half of Tropical Storm Cristina were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Cristina will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Cristina will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the western side of an upper level low that is over the Southwestern Caribbean Sea.  The upper level low will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Cristina’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The moderate vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  The vertical wind shear is forecast to be a little less on Wednesday.  Tropical Storm Cristina could intensify slowly during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Cristina will move around the western part of a high pressure system that is over the Northwestern Caribbean Sea.  The high pressure system will steer Cristina toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Cristina will approach the coast of El Salvador on Wednesday evening.

Tropical Storm Cristina will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to the coast of northwestern Nicaragua, the Pacific coast of Honduras, and the coast of El Salvador.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere, Tropical Depression Boris continued to weaken as it move inland over southern Mexico.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Depression Boris was located at latitude 16.9°N and longitude 98.9°W which put the center about 65 miles (105 km) east of Acapulco, Mexico.  Boris was moving toward the northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1004 mb.

Tropical Storm Cristina Forms West of Nicaragua

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Tropical Storm Cristina formed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean west of Nicaragua on Monday afternoon.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Cristina was located at latitude 11.7°N and longitude 87.7°W which put the center about 100 miles (160 km) west-southwest of Managua, Nicaragua.  Cristina was moving toward the north at 5 m.p.h. (8 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 Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Sandino, Nicaragua to the border with Honduras.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Pacific coast of Honduras.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the entire coast of El Salvador.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean west of Nicaragua strengthened on Monday afternoon and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Cristina.

The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Cristina was asymmetrical because of vertical wind shear.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of Cristina’s circulation.  Bands in the northern half of Tropical Storm Cristina consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of Cristina generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the south and west of the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Cristina was relatively small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Cristina’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Cristina will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Cristina will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the western side of an upper level low that is over the Southwestern Caribbean Sea.  The upper level low will produce northerly winds that will blow toward the top of Cristina’s circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The moderate vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Cristina could intensify slowly during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Cristina will move around the western part of a high pressure system that is over the Northwestern Caribbean Sea.  The high pressure system will steer Cristina toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Cristina will move toward the coast of Honduras and El Salvador.

Tropical Storm Cristina will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain the coast of northwestern Nicaragua, the Pacific coast of Honduras, and the coast of El Salvador.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Boris strengthened a little south of Mexico.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Boris was located at latitude 15.3°N and longitude 99.2°W which put the center about 120 miles (195 km) south-southeast of Acapulco, Mexico.   Boris was moving toward the east-northeast at 3 m.p.h. (5 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 1001 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Laguna de Chacahua to Tecpan de Galeana, Mexico.  The Tropical Storm Warning includes Acapulco.

Tropical Storm Boris will bring strong winds and very heavy rain to parts of Guerrero and Oaxaca.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Depression Strengthens to Tropical Storm Boris

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Former Tropical Depression Two-E strengthened to Tropical Storm Boris over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southeast of Acapulco, Mexico early on Monday.  At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Storm Boris was located at latitude 15.9°N and longitude 99.2°W which put the center about 85 miles (135 km) southeast of Acapulco, Mexico.   Boris was moving toward the northeast at 2 m.p.h. (3 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 is in effect for the portion of the coast from Laguna de Chacahua to Tecpan de Galeana.  The Tropical Storm Warning includes Acapulco.

Former Tropical Depression Two-E strengthened early on Monday and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Boris.

More thunderstorms formed near the center of Tropical Storm Boris on Sunday night.  More thunderstorms were also developing in bands revolving around the center of Boris’ circulation.  Storms near the center of Boris generated upper level divergence that was pumping mass away to the west of the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease slowly,

Although the circulation around Tropical Storm Boris was large, the strongest winds were occurring close to the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Boris’ circulation.

Tropical Storm Boris will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next few hours.  Boris will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 31°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level ridge that is over Mexico.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Boris’ circulation.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The moderate vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Storm Boris could intensify during the next few hours.

Tropical Storm Boris around the southwestern side of a high pressure system that is over southeastern Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Boris toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Boris will make landfall on the coast of Mexico near Acapulco later on Monday.

Tropical Storm Boris will being strong winds and very heavy rain to parts of Guerrero and Oaxaca.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Depression Two-E Forms South of Acapulco

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Tropical Depression Two-E formed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Acapulco, Mexico on Sunday.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Depression Two-E was located at latitude 15.7°N and longitude 99.8°W which put the center about 85 miles (135 km) south of Acapulco, Mexico.  The tropical depression was moving toward the northeast at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 1005 mb.

The government of Mexico issued a Tropical Storm Warning that is in effect for the portion of the coast from Laguna de Chacahua to Tecpan de Galeana.  The Tropical Storm Warning includes Acapulco.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Acapulco strengthened on Sunday and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Depression Two-E.

A few more thunderstorms were forming near the center of Tropical Depression Two-E on Sunday afternoon.  More thunderstorms were also developing in bands revolving around the center of the tropical depression.  Storms near the center of Tropical Depression Two-E started to generate upper level divergence that was pumping mass away to the west of the tropical depression.  The removal of mass was causing the surface pressure to decrease slowly,

Tropical Depression Two-E will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 18 hours.  The tropical depression will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 31°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level ridge that is over Mexico.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of the tropical depression.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The moderate vertical wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent intensification.  Tropical Depression Two-E could intensify to a tropical storm.

Tropical Depression Two-E around the western side of a high pressure system that is over southeastern Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer the tropical depression toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression Two-E will make landfall on the coast of Mexico east of Acapulco in less than 24 hours.

Tropical Depression Two-E could be a tropical storm at the time of landfall.  In any case, the tropical depression or tropical storm will being strong winds and heavy rain to Guerrero and Oaxaca.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression Amanda continued to weaken slowly far to the east-southeast of Hawaii.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Depression Amanda was located at latitude 11.5°N and longitude 135.4°W which put the center about 1425 miles (2295 km) east-southeast of Hilo, Hawaii.  Amanda was moving toward the southwest 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 1007 mb.

Tropical Storm Ivo Forms South of Mexico

Tropical Storm Ivo formed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean on Wednesday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Ivo was located at latitude 14.2°N and longitude 99.1°W which put the center about 195 miles (310 km) south-southeast Acapulco, Mexico.  Ivo was moving toward the west-northwest at 22 m.p.h. (35 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 1008 mb.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Mexico strengthened on Wednesday afternoon and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Ivo.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Ivo organized quickly on Wednesday afternoon.  Thunderstorms developed near the center of Ivo’s circulation.  Thunderstorms also formed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Ivo.  Storms near the center of Ivo began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Ivo was small.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 25 miles (40 km) in the northern side of Ivo’s circulation.  The winds in the southern side of Tropical Storm Ivo were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Ivo will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Ivo will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the southern side of an upper level ridge over Mexico.  The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Ivo’s circulation.  However, the winds in the lower atmosphere will also blow from the east.  Since the winds in the upper and lower levels of the atmosphere will blow from the same direction, there will be less vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Ivo is likely to strengthen during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Ivo will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Ivo toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Ivo will move parallel to the coast of southern Mexico.

Bands in the northern side of Ivo’s circulation could drop heavy rain on parts of southern Mexico.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in Guerrero, Michoacan, and Colima.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Henriette continued to churn toward the Central Pacific.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Henriette was located at latitude 18.1°N and longitude 131.3°W which put the center about 1555 miles (2505 km) east Hilo, Hawaii.  Henriette was moving toward the west 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 1005 mb.

Depression Strengthens to Tropical Storm Flossie

Former Tropical Depression Six-E strengthened to Tropical Storm Flossie over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Mexico on Sunday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Flossie was located at latitude 13.4°N and longitude 99.9°W which put the center about 240 miles (390 km) south of Acapulco, Mexico.   Flossie was moving toward the west 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 1005 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Zihuatanejo to Cabo Corrientes, Mexico.

Former Tropical Depression Six-E continued to strengthen on Sunday.  The U.S. National Hurricane Center upgraded former Tropical Depression Six-E to Tropical Storm Flossie.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Flossie continue to get more organized on Sunday.  More thunderstorms developed near the center of Flossie’s circulation.  More thunderstorms also formed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Flossie.  Storms near the center of Flossie generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical depression.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.

Tropical Storm Flossie will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Flossie will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over southeastern Mexico and the adjacent part of the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Flossie will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Flossie could intensify rapidly at times.  Tropical Storm Flossie is likely to strengthen to a hurricane on Monday.

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

Bands in the northern side of Tropical Storm Flossie will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of the coast of southern Mexico.  Heavy rains could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Depression Six-E Forms South of Mexico

Tropical Depression Six-E formed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Mexico early on Sunday.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Depression Six-E was located at latitude 13.0°N and longitude 99.5°W which put the center about 270 miles (435 km) south of Acapulco, Mexico.  The tropical depression was moving toward the west at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1008 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Zihuatanejo to Manzanillo, Mexico.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Mexico strengthened early on Sunday and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Depression Six-E.

The circulation around Tropical Depression Six-E exhibited much more organization on Sunday morning.  More thunderstorms developed near the center of the depression’s circulation.  More thunderstorms also formed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Depression Six-E.  Storms near the center of circulation started to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical depression.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to start to decrease.

Tropical Depression Six-E will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  The tropical depression will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over southeastern Mexico and the adjacent part of the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Depression Six-E will intensify during the next 24 hours.  It is likely to strengthen to a tropical storm by Monday.  The tropical depression could intensify to a hurricane early next week.

Tropical Depression Six-E will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over southern Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer the tropical depression toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Depression Six-E will move a little closer to the coast of southern Mexico.

Bands on the northern side of Tropical Depression Six-E will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of the coast of southern Mexico.  Heavy rains could cause flash floods in some locations.

Hurricane Erick Hits Southern Mexico

Hurricane Erick hit the coast of southern Mexico on Thursday morning.  Erick started to weaken after it moved inland near the border between Oaxaca and Guerrero.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Erick was located at latitude 17.1°N and longitude 99.0°W which put the center about 60 miles (95 km) east-northeast of Acapulco, Mexico.  Erick was moving toward the northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 988 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Escondido to Acapulco, Mexico.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Acapulco to Tecpan de Galeana, Mexico.

Hurricane Erick rapidly intensified to a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale before it made landfall on the coast of Mexico.  The maximum sustained wind speed at the time of landfall was 140 m.p.h. (225 km/h).

Hurricane force winds extended out 15 miles (25 km) from the center of Erick’s circulation at the time of landfall.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 90 miles (145 km) from the center of Hurricane Erick.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Hurricane Erick at the time of landfall was 28.2.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 8.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 36.3.  Hurricane Erick was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Charley when Charley hit southwest Florida in 2004.

The center of Hurricane Erick made landfall near Punta Maldonado.  Erick will continue to move northwest over Guerrero.  Hurricane Erick will weaken quickly when it moves over the Sierra Madres del Sur.  Erick will continue to drop heavy rain over parts of Oaxaca and Guerrero as it weakens.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Hurricane Erick Rapidly Intensifies to Cat. 2

Hurricane Erick rapidly intensified to a Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale as it moved over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Mexico on Wednesday.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Erick was located at latitude 14.2°N and longitude 96.3°W which put the center about 215 miles (345 km) southeast of Punta Maldonado, Mexico.    Erick was moving toward the northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).   The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h).   The minimum surface pressure was 971 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Angel to Acapulco, Mexico.

A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Acapulco to Tecpan de Galeana, Mexico. 

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Angel to Salina Cruz, Mexico.  A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Acapulco to Tecpan de Galeana, Mexico.

A U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter reconnaissance plane investigating Hurricane Erick on Wednesday afternoon found that Erick had rapidly intensified to Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.  A circular eye with a diameter of 15 miles (24 km) was present at the center of Erick’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 Erick.  Storms near the core generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away in all directions from the hurricane.  The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The distribution of winds speeds around Hurricane Erick was fairly symmetrical.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 15 miles (25 km) from the center of Erick’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) from the center of Hurricane Erick.

Hurricane Erick will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 18 hours.  Erick will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over southern Mexico and the adjacent part of the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Hurricane Erick will intensify during the next 18 hours. Erick is likely to intensify rapidly.  Hurricane Erick is likely to strengthen to a major hurricane by Thursday.

Hurricane Erick will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over Central America and southern Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Erick toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Erick will move toward the coast of southern Mexico.  Erick is likely to make landfall in southern Mexico between Acapulco and Punta Maldonado early on Thursday.

Hurricane Erick is likely to be a major hurricane when it makes landfall on the coast of Mexico.  Erick will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of Oaxaca, Guerrero and Michoacan.  The strongest winds and heaviest rains will occur in Guerrero.  Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations.  Hurricane Erick could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along the coast.

Erick Intensifies to a Hurricane

Former Tropical Storm Erick intensified to a hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Mexico on Wednesday morning.  At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Erick was located at latitude 13.5°N and longitude 95.7°W which put the center about 275 miles (440 km) southeast of Punta Maldonado, Mexico.   Erick was moving toward the northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 991 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Angel to Acapulco, Mexico.

A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Acapulco to Tecpan de Galeana, Mexico.  A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Angel to Bahias de Huatulco, Mexico.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Puerto Angel to Salina Cruz, Mexico.

Former Tropical Storm Erick intensified to a hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Mexico on Wednesday morning.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped most of the way around the center of Erick’s circulation.  A small circular eye appeared to be forming at the center of Hurricane Erick.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Erick’s circulation.  Storms near the center of Erick generated strong upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane in all directions.  The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease more quickly.

The distribution of wind speeds around Hurricane Erick became more symmetrical when it intensified.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 15 miles (25 km) from the center of Erick’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Hurricane Erick.

Hurricane Erick will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Erick will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over southern Mexico and the adjacent part of the Eastern North Pacific Ocean.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Hurricane Erick will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Erick could rapidly intensify at times.  Hurricane Erick could strengthen to a major hurricane by Thursday.

Hurricane Erick will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over Central America and southern Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Erick toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Erick will move toward the coast of southern Mexico.  Erick is likely to make landfall in southern Mexico between Acapulco and Punta Maldonado on Thursday.

Hurricane Erick could be a major hurricane when it makes landfall on the coast of Mexico.  Erick will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of Oaxaca, Guerrero and Michoacan.  The strongest winds and heaviest rains will occur in Guerrero.  Heavy rain will cause flash floods in some locations.  Hurricane Storm Erick could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along the coast.