Latest news with #Category4
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
National Hurricane Center tracking 4 tropical waves. Dangerous heat expected in Florida
A day after surging to Category 4 status and then hitting Mexico on June 19 as a powerful Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph, Erick has dropped down to a low-pressure area in the Pacific, according to the National Hurricane Center. Erick made landfall between Acapulco and the resort town Puerto Escondido early Thursday morning, the Associated Press reported, leaving damaged roads, localized flooding, widespread power outages and at least one person dead, a 1-year-old child whose mother had attempted to cross a swollen river. In the Atlantic basin, the early days of the 2025 hurricane season remain quiet. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring four tropical waves, including one in the eastern Caribbean. The first named storm in the Atlantic basin will be Andrea. ➤ Track all active storms ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Temperatures are expected to remain hot in Florida through the weekend, with the heat index reaching as high as 110 in some locations. Here's the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center as of 7 a.m. June 20. Before striking Mexico, Erick doubled in strength in less than a day. Last year there were 34 incidents of rapid intensification — when a storm gains at least 35 mph in 24 hours — including the two storms that ravaged Florida. Hurricane Helene spun up from a tropical storm to a Category 4 monster in two days, and Hurricane Milton roared into a Category 5 from a tropical storm within just 24 hours. That's nearly twice as many as the average of the past 10 years, the NHC said. Such rapid changes make forecasting challenging and can leave residents unprepared. "Rapid intensification occurs when a tropical storm or hurricane encounters an extremely conducive environment," Colorado State University meteorologist Phil Klotzbach said in 2020. "Typically, this environment consists of very warm water, low vertical wind shear and high levels of mid-level moisture." The National Hurricane Center is monitoring four tropical waves in the Atlantic basin. Tropical wave 1: A far eastern Atlantic tropical wave has its axis near 21W from 4N to 15N. It is moving westward at 6 to 12 mph. Tropical wave 2: An eastern Atlantic tropical wave has its axis near 37W from 05N to 16N, moving westward at an estimated speed of 17 mph. Tropical wave 3: A central Atlantic tropical wave has its axis near 52W from 04N to 16N, moving westward at 12 to 17 mph. Tropical wave 4: A central Caribbean tropical wave has its axis near 74W south of 17N to inland Colombia. It is moving westward at around 17 mph. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are near the wave axis. "The average first named storm in the Atlantic is June 20, but development over the central and eastern basin looks unfavorable through June at this time," said Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather lead hurricane expert. "There is some dust moving through the Caribbean right now but most of it will stay south and west of Florida. Some will move into Texas and Louisiana late this week," DaSilva said. The next plume of dust that could impact South Florida may arrive around June 27 and could last a few days, DaSilva said via email. "The dust set to arrive in Florida in around 10 days could be comparable to the dust that went through Florida recently, however since it is still 10 days away and still over Africa, the dust concentration is still subject to change as it moves across the Atlantic." "Strong wind shear and an abundance of Saharan dust is helping to protect Florida," DaSilva said. There are "no concerns in the Atlantic for at least the next seven days. There is too much dry air and the wind shear is too high," DaSilva said. "If anything develops in June it would likely be in the Bay of Campeche or far western Caribbean, where the shear is a little lower." "The average first named storm in the Atlantic is June 20 and the average first hurricane is Aug. 11. It is not really that unusual for the start of the season to be quiet. Water temperatures and ocean heat content remain very high in the Gulf. "I think once we get more into the heart of the season, things could get very active. Expect a second-half loaded season. Dry air, including associated Saharan dust, along with wind shear, both prevent tropical systems from developing or strengthening, essentially cutting off the fuel storms need. Pensacola, western Panhandle: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 90. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Tallahassee, central Panhandle:A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 102. Calm wind. Jacksonville, North/Northeast Florida: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 103. West wind 6 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Daytona Beach to Stuart, East/Central Florida: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east southeast in the afternoon. Orlando: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. West Palm Beach to Naples, South/Southwest Florida: West Palm Beach: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 2pm and 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Light and variable wind becoming southeast 6 to 11 mph in the morning. Naples: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Heat index values as high as 100. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Fort Myers to Sarasota, West/Southwest Florida: Scattered showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 98. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. High near 86, with heat index as high as 99 in Sarasota. Among the changes the National Hurricane Center announced for the 2025 hurricane season was the addition of a rip current risk map. ➤ National Hurricane Center lays out changes coming for 2025 season. See what to expect This new addition provided by the Hurricane Center will be provided for the current day, the next day, and as a composite showing the highest risk over both days for areas along the East and Gulf coasts of the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the coast of southern California. ➤ Florida ranks in top 5 states where swimming is most dangerous. How to avoid summer tragedy The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said. The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Trump. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are now using Gulf of America on its maps and in its advisories. The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center. Hurricane season starts June 1 in the Atlantic basin. Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include: Tropical cyclone is the generic term used by the National Weather Service, NOAA and the National Hurricane Center for any tropical system, even if it's in the tropical Atlantic basin. To be more precise, a tropical cyclone is a "rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and has closed, low-level circulation," NOAA sadi. Once maximum sustained winds reach 74 mph, what it is called is determined by where it originated: : for storms in the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and eastern North Pacific. : for storms in the Northwest Pacific. : for storms in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean. We will update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This story was updated to add new information. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida heat wave here as NHC tracks 4 tropical waves. Erick fades
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Climate
- Malay Mail
Hurricane Erick barrels toward Mexico's Pacific coast, bringing destructive winds, deadly floods and 10-metre waves
MEXICO CITY, June 19 — Hurricane Erick was advancing rapidly near Mexico's southern Pacific coast as a Category 4 storm and was expected to make landfall today, authorities said, potentially bringing intense rains and life-threatening floods and mudslides. The storm, about 55 miles (about 85km) south-east of Punta Maldonado in the Mexican state of Guerrero, packed maximum sustained winds 140 mph (220km/h) that could be 'extremely destructive' near its core, the US National Hurricane Centre said in a report early today. With no certainty on where Erick would make landfall, a hurricane warning was in effect between the tourist enclaves of Acapulco and Puerto Angel. Scientists have warned that Erick could become the most intense hurricane along Mexico's Pacific coast this early in the season. 'The hurricane is expected to impact during Thursday morning as a powerful category 4 hurricane between Lagunas de Cha-cha, Oaxaca, and Punta Maldonado, Guerrero,' the Mexican Ministry Of Environment said in a statement. Up to 16 inches (about 41cm) of rain is expected to hit the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, according to NHC. People board up a BBVA bank branch as Hurricane Erick strengthens off Mexico's Pacific Coast, in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca state, Mexico, June 18, 2025. — Reuters pic Threats to residents 'Heavy rainfall will lead to life-threatening flooding and mudslides, especially in areas of steep terrain,' NHC warned, as local authorities asked residents to remain vigilant. Mexico's national water commission, Conagua, gave a similar warning, adding that waves in coastal areas were reaching up to 10 metres high. Oaxaca Governor Salomon Jara, in a post on X, urged residents to follow authorities' recommendations and said shelters were available for those in areas at risk. Mexican authorities have also been coordinating evacuation efforts for tourists in beach destinations, including Acapulco. — Reuters
Forbes
2 days ago
- Climate
- Forbes
Category 4 Hurricane Erick Close To Landfall With A Familiar Story
Satellite image of Hurricane Erick on the morning of June 19, 2025. Hurricane Erick is expected to make landfall later this morning. In fact, by the time I finish writing this piece, the eye may have breached the Mexican coastline. At the time of writing around 7 am EDT, the hurricane was rated as a powerful Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. It was moving towards the region of Acapulco and Puerto Angel at 9 mph Here is the latest information about this major hurricane and expected impacts. Hurricane Erick on the verge of landfall on June 19, 2025. Hurricane Watches and Warnings are up along the Mexican coast. During the early morning hours of June 19, 2025, the National Hurricane Center wrote, 'On the forecast track, the center of Erick is expected to make landfall in the western portion of the Mexican state of Oaxaca or the eastern portion of the Mexican state of Guerrero within the next few hours, and then continue inland over southern Mexico later today.' Though the storm is expected to weaken after landfall, impacts will be felt well inland. Those impacts will include up to a foot or more of rainfall in the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Guerrero and significant totals in surrounding regions. Dangerous flooding and mudslides, particularly within steep terrain, are likely. Additionally, extreme winds typical of a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) will impact the coasts and regions inland. NHC cautioned, "Wind speeds atop and on the windward sides of hills and mountains are often up to 30 percent stronger than the near-surface winds indicated in this advisory, and in some elevated locations could be even greater." To the right of the eye, life-threatening storm surge will produce coastal flooding, large waves, swells, and rip currents. Expected rainfall from Hurricane Erick. Yesterday morning I warned, 'The forecast ultimately puts Erick at Category 2 level, but I would not rule out slightly higher intensity.' As expected, Hurricane Erick rapidly intensified, which means it gained at least 35 mph of sustained wind speed in less than 24 hours. This is a familiar story with landfalling hurricanes. Meteorologists Chris Dolce, Jon Erdman, and Johnathan Beiles wrote, 'Erick rapidly intensified from a 40 mph tropical storm Tuesday morning to Cat 4 intensity at midnight Thursday morning.' According to The Weather Channel experts, 'Erick may be the first known Cat 4 E. Pacific hurricane to landfall in Mexico prior to October in records dating to the late 1950s.' Because of the physical properties of water, stronger hurricanes are typically not expected until later in the season. However, the sea surface temperatures, wind shear patterns, and moisture have been optimal for Erick's intensification. Studies continue to link warmer ocean temperatures or marine heatwaves to recent rapid intensification. Rapid intensification is problematic because it shortens the window for preparation of such powerful storms. Sea surface temperature anomalies near the Mexican coast are warmer than normal.
Washington Post
3 days ago
- Climate
- Washington Post
Hurricane Erick upgraded to Category 4, on track for landfall in Mexico
Hurricane Erick has been upgraded to an 'extremely dangerous' Category 4 storm and is expected to make landfall in southern Mexico in the coming hours, bringing destructive winds, heavy rainfall, life-threatening floods and storm surges, the National Hurricane Center said Thursday. The hurricane is off Mexico's southern Pacific coast, about 70 miles from Puerto Ángel and 90 miles from Punta Maldonado, the NHC said in a public advisory. It is traveling about 9 mph and is expected to make landfall in the state of Oaxaca or Guerrero before moving inland, the agency said. A hurricane warning is in effect for areas from the resort city of Acapulco to the small coastal town of Puerto Ángel.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Hurricane Erick At Category 4 Intensity Nears Mexico Landfall With Life-Threatening Flooding, High Winds
Hurricane Erick is nearing a destructive landfall in southern Mexico at Category 4 intensity with life-threatening storm surge, rainfall flooding and high winds. Erick rapidly intensified from a 40 mph tropical storm Tuesday morning to Cat. 4 intensity at midnight Thursday morning. Just hours from landfall, Erick may be the first known Cat. 4 E. Pacific hurricane to landfall in Mexico prior to October in records dating to the late 1950s. (MORE: What Is Rapid Intensification?) Erick became the Eastern Pacific's second hurricane of the season early Wednesday morning, almost four weeks ahead of the season's average second hurricane pace. The season's fifth storm has historically formed by July 23, based on the 1991-2020 average. -Alerts: Hurricane warnings are posted for parts of Mexico's Guerrero and Oaxaca states, including Acapulco. Hurricane watches and tropical storm warnings extend to the west and east of this hurricane warning, as shown in the map below. -Timing: Erick is just hours from landfall either over western Oaxaca or eastern Guerrero states east of Acapulco, and conditions will deteriorate rapidly with heavy rain and high winds. Once inland, Erick is expected to weaken rapidly and dissipate by late tonight or early Friday. -Intensity: As mentioned earlier, Erick will landfall as an intense hurricane, most likely a Category 4. -Surge, Wind Impacts: Erick's worst storm surge and devastating wind impacts will be along and just east of where the center comes ashore in parts of western Oaxaca and eastern Guerrero states. Those greatest threats will most likely be east of Acapulco, but strong wind gusts are also possible in the city, particularly over higher terrain. -Heavy Rain A More Widespread Threat: The heaviest totals of 8 to 12 inches, with locally up to 16 inches possible, are forecast in the Oaxaca and Guerrero states. Life-threatening flash flooding is likely and mudslides are a threat in the mountainous terrain near this coast.
