MIAMI (AP) – Tropical Storm Barbara has strengthened, marking the first hurricane of the East Pacific hurricane season.
According to Miami’s National Hurricane Center, the swells generated by the storm system are expected to impact parts of southwestern Mexico’s coast in the coming days. These swells can create dangerous life-threatening waves and riptide conditions.
Hurricane Barbara was situated approximately 155 miles (245 km) southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds recorded at 75 mph (120 kph). The storm’s center is moving northwest at 10 mph (17 kph).
As of Monday morning, no coastal warnings or watches were in effect. However, heavy rainfall is anticipated in Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco, raising the risk of local flooding.
The Hurricane Center warned that the swells from Barbara could produce life-threatening waves and riptides along Mexico’s southwestern coast, contributing to gusty winds.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Cosme saw a slight strengthening on Monday but remained about 630 miles (1,015 kilometers) south-southwest of the tip of Baja California, as reported by the NHC.
At 2 AM local time, Cosme had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (80 kph) and was traveling west-northwest at 9 mph (14 kph). The storm is expected to approach hurricane strength on Monday before turning northeast and accelerating on Tuesday into Wednesday.
Source: apnews.com