Newly formed Tropical Storm Newton drenched parts of western Mexico on Monday as it headed north toward the Baja California peninsula.
Newton was centered about 395 miles (635 kilometers) southeast of Cabo San Lucas Monday morning and it was moving to the north-northwest at 12 mph (19 kph), the U.S. National Hurricane Center reported. Maximum sustained winds were about 45 mph (75 kph) and it was projected to strengthen.
The center of Newton was expected to be near or over the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula by Tuesday morning, by which time it could be near hurricane strength. A hurricane warning was in effect for the southern portion of the peninsula.
The storm system caused flooding and some landslides in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero.
A tropical storm warning is in effect for parts of Mexico’s coast from Manzanillo to Cabo Corrientes and from north of La Paz to San Evaristo.
For the Mexican mainland, tropical storm conditions are occurring from Manzanillo to Cabo Corrientes today. Farther northward, tropical storm conditions are expected over northwestern Mexico beginning Tuesday morning, and these conditions will gradually spread northward throughout the day. Tropical storm conditions are
possible within the tropical storm watch areas in Sinaloa early Tuesday. Tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch in Sonora by early Wednesday.
RAINFALL: Newton is expected to produce rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches for coastal portions of the Mexican states of Michoacan, Colima, Jalisco, Nayarit, Sinaloa, as well as much of the state of Baja California Sur, with isolated maximum amounts of 15 inches through Tuesday night. These rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides, especially in areas of mountainous terrain.
SURF: Large swells generated by Newton are expected to affect the coast of southwestern Mexico through Tuesday, and begin to subside on Wednesday. Swells should increase across the southern and central portions of the Baja California peninsula today and Tuesday. These swells are likely to cause life- threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.
