PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – As of 7:00 AM CDT, the center of Tropical Storm Beatriz was located near latitude 16.7 North, longitude 101.9 West, moving northwest at 13 mph (20 km/h), with Puerto Vallarta upgraded to a Hurricane Watch in anticipation of the storm’s intensification.
The latest data indicates a continued northwest trajectory over the next few days, with a gradual decrease in speed expected over the weekend. The center of Beatriz is anticipated to approach southwestern Mexico’s coastline later today, moving near or over parts of the coastline tonight and Saturday.
With maximum sustained winds nearing 65 mph (100 km/h) and higher gusts, rapid strengthening is predicted. Experts expect Beatriz to escalate into a hurricane by later today, forecasted to remain at hurricane status as it moves over the Mexican coastline.
The storm’s current radius extends tropical-storm-force winds up to 60 miles (95 km), primarily to the northeast of the storm’s center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 996 mb (29.41 inches), indicating the potential for significant impact on the region.
Experts are warning residents and visitors to be aware of several hazards associated with Beatriz. Hurricane conditions are anticipated within the hurricane warning area later today and tonight, with possible hurricane conditions in the watch area by Saturday. Tropical storm conditions are likely currently occurring in the storm warning area, with possible expansion into the storm watch area by Saturday.
Furthermore, the storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, with totals of 3 to 5 inches predicted through Sunday, reaching up to 8 inches in certain regions. This rainfall level could cause localized flash flooding and mudslides across southern Mexico, from Guerrero west-northwest to Nayarit.
A dangerous storm surge is also predicted to cause significant coastal flooding in areas of onshore winds. The surge is expected to be accompanied by large, destructive waves, particularly near the coastline.
Lastly, swells generated by Beatriz are forecast to spread northward along the southwestern coast of Mexico in the coming days, possibly resulting in life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Residents and visitors are advised to stay updated via products from local weather offices.
