PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – Tropical Storm Beatriz, located near latitude 15.5 North and longitude 100.3 West, is gradually intensifying and set to become a hurricane by late Friday, according to reports at 1000 PM CDT (0300 UTC). The storm’s current trajectory, moving west-northwest at approximately 12 mph (19 km/h), is expected to shift towards a northwestward path later tonight, with a reduction in speed likely over the weekend.
On its forecasted course, the storm center is predicted to either skirt or follow closely along the coast of southwestern Mexico over the next few days. As of now, the storm’s maximum sustained winds are hovering near 40 mph (65 km/h), with gusts reaching higher speeds.
Hurricane conditions are anticipated within the hurricane warning area by Friday and Friday night, with the possibility of these conditions extending to the hurricane watch area on Saturday. Likewise, tropical storm conditions are expected to persist in the designated warning area until early Friday, and could possibly impact the tropical storm watch area on Saturday.
The reach of tropical-storm-force winds from the storm’s center extends outward up to 45 miles (75 km). Currently, the storm’s minimum central pressure is estimated to be 1004 mb (29.65 inches).
Meteorologists are cautioning that Beatriz will bring significant rainfall, with storm total estimates of 3 to 5 inches, and maximum amounts reaching 8 inches, from Guerrero west-northwest to Nayarit through Sunday. The expected deluge could potentially trigger localized flash flooding across southern Mexico.
Moreover, coastal areas face the additional hazard of a dangerous storm surge. The surge, which is expected to cause significant coastal flooding in areas of onshore winds, will be accompanied by large and destructive waves near the coast.
Swells created by Beatriz are predicted to intensify and spread northward along the southwestern coast of Mexico during the next few days. These swells may result in life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Residents and visitors in the area are urged to monitor local weather reports closely and heed any advisories or warnings issued.
