Tag Archives: Jalisco

Tropical Storm John Makes Landfall in Mexico Again

Tropical Storm John made landfall on the west coast of Mexico again on Friday.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm John was located at latitude 18.3°N and longitude 103.2°W which put the center about 90 miles (145 km) southeast of Manzanillo, Mexico.  John was moving toward the northwest 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 996 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Punta Maldonado to Manzanillo, Mexico.

The center of Tropical Storm John moved back over the west coast of Mexico between Lazaro Cardenas and Manzanillo on Friday afternoon.  The maximum sustained wind speed in Tropical Storm John at the time of landfall was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).

The strongest winds were occurring in the southeastern portion of Tropical Storm John.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) in the southeastern quadrant of Tropical Storm John.  Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 70 miles (110 km) in the other parts of John’s circulation.

Tropical Storm John will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer John slowly toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm John will continue to grind slowly along the west coast of Mexico.

Tropical Storm John will drop heavy rain over parts of Colima, Jalisco, and Michoacan.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations.

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.

Hurricane Lidia Approaches West Coast of Mexico

Hurricane Lidia was approaching the west coast of Mexico on Tuesday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Hurricane Lidia was located at latitude 18.8°N and longitude 108.3°W which put it about 235 miles (380 km) west-southwest of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Lidia was moving toward the east-northeast at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 977 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Playa Perula to Escuinapa, Mexico. A Hurricane Warning is also in effect for Las Islas Marias. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Manzanillo to Playa Perula, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Escuinapa to Mazatlan, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Warning is also in effect for the portion of the coast from Manzanillo to Playa Perula, Mexico.

Hurricane Lidia was intensifying as it approached the west coast of Mexico on Tuesday morning. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Lidia’s circulation. The strongest winds were occurring near the center of circulation. 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. Winds to hurricane force extended out 25 miles (40 km) from the center of Lidia. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation.

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 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 bring strong, gusty winds and locally heavy rain. The strong winds will be capable of causing serious damage. 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 10 feet (3 meters) along the coast of Jalisco.

Tropical Storm Beatriz Moves Along West Coast of Mexico

Tropical Storm Beatriz was moving along the west coast of Mexico on Saturday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Beatriz was located at latitude 19.8°N and longitude 105.4°W which put it about 45 miles (75 km) south-southeast of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico. Beatriz was moving toward the northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1001 mb.

Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portions of the coast from Manzanillo to Punta Mita, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Punta Mita to San Blas, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Watch was also in effect for Las Islas Marias.

The center of former Hurricane Beatriz made a landfall near Punta San Telmo, Mexico during Friday night. When the center of Beatriz made landfall, it significantly disrupted the inner core of Beatriz’ circulation. The disruption of the inner core caused Beatriz to weaken to a tropical storm. The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Beatriz became asymmetrical after if made landfall. Most of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of Beatriz’ circulation. Bands in the eastern part of the tropical storm consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Tropical Storm Beatriz.

Former Hurricane Beatriz brought gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the west coast of Mexico from Punta San Telmo to Cabo Corrientes during Friday night. The heaviest rain fell along the coast in Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco.

Tropical Storm Beatriz will move through an environment that will be only marginally favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Beatriz 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 northern Mexico. The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Beatriz’ circulation. Those winds will cause the wind shear to increase. Since Tropical Storm Beatriz is near the west coast of Mexico, it’s circulation will pull drier air into the eastern and northern parts of Beatriz. The drier air will inhibit the formation of thunderstorms in those parts of the circulation. Since the inner core of Tropical Storm Beatriz was disrupted when it moved over the coast, Beatriz is likely to continue to weaken during the next 36 hours.

The upper level ridge over northern Mexico will steer Tropical Storm Beatriz toward the northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Beatriz will gradually move away from the west coast of Mexico. The gusty winds and locally heavy rain in Jalisco will gradually diminish on Saturday. Beatriz could move southeast of Baja California on Sunday.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Hurricane Adrian weakened south of Baja California. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Adrian was located at latitude 18.1°N and longitude 114.0°W which put it about 425 miles (685 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Adrian was moving toward the west-northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 983 mb.

Beatriz Rapidly Intensifies to a Hurricane

Former Tropical Storm Beatriz rapidly intensified to a hurricane over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico on Friday morning. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Beatriz was located at latitude 17.3°N and longitude 102.3°W which put it about 50 miles (80 km) south of Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico. Beatriz was moving toward the northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 Zihuatenajo to Cabo Corrientes, Mexico. The Hurricane Warning included Manzanillo. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Corrientes to Punta Mita, Mexico. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portions of the coast from Tecpan de Galeana to Zihuatenajo and from Cabo Corrientes to Punta Mita, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Punta Mita to San Blas, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Watch was also in effect for Las Islas Marias.

Former Tropical Storm Beatriz rapidly intensified to a hurricane on Friday morning. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of Beatriz’ circulation. Visible and microwave satellite images showed that an eye was forming at the center of Hurricane Beatriz. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Beatriz. Storms near the core generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the hurricane.

The circulation around Hurricane Beatriz was small. Winds to hurricane force extended out 15 miles (25 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Beatriz’ circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Beatriz will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Beatriz 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 and the southern U.S. The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Hurricane Beatriz. However, the winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will also blow from the east. So, there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Beatriz is likely to intensify during the next 12 hours. Beatriz will be near the coast of Mexico on Saturday. If the core of Hurricane Beatriz remains over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, then it will be in an environment favorable for intensification. If Beatriz moves over land on Saturday, it will weaken quickly.

The upper level ridge over Mexico and the southern U.S. will steer Hurricane Beatriz toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Hurricane Beatriz will move very close to the coast of Mexico. The center of Beatriz could be near Manzanillo by Friday night. Beatriz could make landfall near Manzanillo or the center of circulation could pass just to the west of Manzanillo. Bands in the northern side of Hurricane Beatriz will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to parts of the west coast of Mexico. Beatriz will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Hurricane Adrian intensified south-southwest of Baja California. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Adrian was located at latitude 17.3°N and longitude 112.2°W which put it about 415 miles (665 km) south-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. Adrian was moving toward the northwest 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 970 mb.

Tropical Storm Beatriz Develops Near Mexico

Tropical Storm Beatriz developed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean near Mexico on Thursday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Beatriz was located at latitude 15.0°N and longitude 99.4°W which put it about 135 miles (220 km) south-southeast of Acapulco, Mexico. Beatriz was moving toward the west-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 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 Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Zihuatenajo to Playa Perula, Mexico. The Hurricane Warning included Manzanillo. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Playa Perula to Cabo Corrientes, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Punta Maldonado to Zihuatenajo, Mexico. The Tropical Storm Warning included Acapulco. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo Corrientes to Punta Mita, Mexico.

Former Tropical Depression Two-E strengthened to Tropical Storm Beatriz over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean near Mexico on Thursday afternoon. A distinct low level center of circulation was evident on visible satellite images of Tropical Storm Beatriz. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Beatriz’ circulation. Storm near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 45 miles (75 km) in the northeastern quadrant of Tropical Storm Beatriz. The winds in the other parts of Beatriz’ circulation were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Beatriz will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Beatriz 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 and the southern U.S. The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Tropical Storm Beatriz. However, the winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will also blow from the east. So, there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Beatriz will intensify during the next 24 hours. Beatriz could intensify rapidly at times. Tropical Storm Beatriz could strengthen to a hurricane during the next 24 hours.

The upper level ridge over Mexico and the southern U.S. will steer Tropical Storm Beatriz toward the northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Beatriz will move closer to the coast of Mexico. The center of Beatriz could be near Manzanillo by Friday evening. Beatriz could be a hurricane when it gets near Manzanillo. Bands in the northern side of Tropical Storm Beatriz could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of the west coast of Mexico. Locally heavy rain could fall in parts of Oaxaca and Guerrero. Strong winds and locally heavy rain could affect Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Hurricane Adrian was churning south of Baja California. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Adrian was located at latitude 16.4°N and longitude 110.7°W which put it about 450 miles (720 km) south of the southern tip of Baja California. Adrian was moving toward the west-northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 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.

Mexico Issues Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings

The government of Mexico issued Tropical Storm Watches and Tropical Storm Warnings for the west coast of Mexico on Wednesday night. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Punta Maldonado to Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico. The Tropical Storm Warning included Acapulco. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Lazaro Cardenas to Manzanillo, Mexico.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean is forecast to strengthen to a tropical storm during the next several days as it moves near the coast of Mexico. The low pressure system was designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Two-E on Wednesday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Potential Tropical Cyclone Two-E was located at latitude 13.5°N and longitude 96.8°W which put it about 315 miles (505 km) southeast of Acapulco, Mexico. It was moving toward the northwest 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 1007 mb.

A low pressure system over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean southeast of Acapulco exhibited more organization on Wednesday night. The U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Potential Tropical Cyclone Two-E. More thunderstorms formed in bands in the eastern side of Potential Tropical Cyclone Two-E. Storms near the center of circulation began to generate upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the system. Removal of mass will allow the surface pressure to decrease.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Two-E will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. It 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 and the southern U.S. The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Potential Tropical Cyclone Two-E. However, the winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will also blow from the east. So, there will be little vertical wind shear. Potential Tropical Cyclone Two-E is likely to intensify during the next 36 hours. It could strengthen to a tropical depression during the next 12 hours. Potential Tropical Cyclone Two-E could intensify to a tropical storm during the next 24 hours.

The upper level ridge over Mexico and the southern U.S. will steer Potential Tropical Cyclone Two-E toward the northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, Potential Tropical Cyclone Two-E will move closer to the coast of Mexico. It could be south of Acapulco on Thursday. Bands in the northern side of Potential Tropical Cyclone Two-E could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of the west coast of Mexico. Locally heavy rain could fall in parts of Oaxaca, Guerrero and Jalisco. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Elsewhere over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, Hurricane Adrian was spinning southwest of Manzanillo. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Hurricane Adrian was located at latitude 15.4°N and longitude 109.0°W which put it about 395 miles (640 km) southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico. Adrian was moving toward the west at 6 m.p.h. (10 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 986 mb.

Hurricane Nora Makes Landfall South of Puerto Vallarta

Hurricane Nora made landfall on the west coast of Mexico south of Puerto Vallarta on Saturday evening. At 8:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Nora was located at latitude 20.2°N and longitude 105.4°W which put it about 30 miles (50 km) south-southwest of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Nora was moving toward the north at 14 m.p.h. (22 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 980 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Manzanillo to Altata, Mexico. A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Altata to Mazatlan, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Altata to Mazatlan, Mexico. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz, Mexico.

The center of Hurricane Nora made landfall south of Puerto Vallarta near Vincente Guerrero, Mexico on Saturday evening. Hurricane force winds extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Nora at the time of landfall. Tropical storm force winds extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Hurricane Nora. Nora was dropping heavy rain on parts of Jalisco and Colima. The potential for flash floods was high.

Hurricane Nora is forecast to move toward the north along the west coast of Mexico. Nora is likely to weaken as the center moves along the coast. Hurricane Nora will pull drier air over Mexico into the circulation. The drier air will inhibit the development of thunderstorms. If the drier air gets to the core of Nora, it could dissipate. However, if the center of Hurricane Nora moves back over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, then Nora could maintain its intensity while it is over water. Nora would be over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It would be in a region where the upper level winds are weak and there would be little vertical wind shear.

Nora Strengthens to a Hurricane South of Mexico

Former Tropical Storm Nora strengthened to a hurricane south of Mexico early on Saturday. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Hurricane Nora was located at latitude 17.8°N and longitude 105.4°W which put it about 180 miles (290 km) south of Cabo Corrientes, Mexico. Nora was moving toward the north-northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 983 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Manzanillo to San Blas, Mexico. Hurricane Watches were in effect for the portions of the coast from Lazaro Cardenas to Manzanillo and from San Blas to Mazatlan, Mexico. Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for the portions of the coast from Tecpan de Galeana to Manzanillo and from San Blas to Mazatlan, Mexico.

Former Tropical Storm Nora strengthened to a hurricane early on Saturday morning. Infrared and microwave satellite images showed that an eye was forming at the center of Nora. The eye was surrounded by a broken 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 Nora. 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) in the northeast quadrant of Nora. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center of circulation.

Hurricane Nora will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Nora 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 Nora could strengthen during the next 12 hours. Nora could pull drier air over Mexico into its circulation when it moves closer to the coast. The drier air could inhibit the formation of thunderstorms and Nora could start to weaken when the center gets close to the coast of Mexico.

Hurricane Nora will move around the western side of a high pressure system over Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Nora toward the north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Hurricane Nora could be very near Manzanillo on Saturday night. Nora will bring strong winds and heavy rain to the coast of Mexico. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in Colima, Jalisco and Guadalajara.