In brief
On Sunday, Tropical Storm Priscilla was located 305 miles south-southwest of Cabo Corientes, gaining strength with winds reaching 65 mph. The storm's winds extend 140 miles from its center, and a watch is in effect for parts of Mexico's coast as it heads northwest. Rainfall could reach up to 6 inches, raising concerns over dangerous surf and rip currents. Meanwhile, another storm, Octave, remains distant from land with no immediate threat.
MIAMI (AP) — Tropical Storm Priscilla was strengthening slowly in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Mexico early Sunday.
The Miami-based National Hurricane Center reported that Priscilla was a 'large tropical storm,' with winds reaching tropical storm-force up to 140 miles (220 kilometers) from its center.
With maximum sustained winds measured at 65 mph (100 kph), the storm was situated approximately 305 miles (495 kilometers) south-southwest of Cabo Corientes, moving northwest at a pace of 5 mph (7 kph).
A tropical storm watch has been issued for portions of southwestern Mexico, stretching from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita, as conditions could lead to tropical storm risks in the area through Sunday and Monday. Predicted rainfall amounts could reach up to 6 inches (15 centimeters), alongside life-threatening surf and rip current hazards along the coast.
Forecasts suggest Priscilla could attain hurricane status by Sunday night or early Monday, continuing its trajectory parallel to the coastline in the following days.
In a related note, another tropical storm named Octave is lingering far offshore with no imminent landfall expected and currently does not feature any coastal watches or warnings. This system has slightly strengthened, boasting maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 kph).
