Tropical Storm Ivo Forms, Threatening Mexico’s Coast with Heavy Rain and Dangerous Surf
Tropical Storm Ivo has formed in the eastern Pacific Ocean, south of Mexico, becoming the ninth named storm of the season. Forecasters predict it will bring significant rainfall and life-threatening surf conditions to Mexico’s southwestern coast. The storm is expected to intensify, potentially reaching near hurricane strength by the end of the week.
Key Takeaways
- Tropical Storm Ivo formed south of Mexico, marking the ninth named system in the Eastern Pacific this year.
- The storm is forecast to bring 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated totals up to 6 inches, to parts of Guerrero, Michoacán, and Colima.
- Life-threatening surf and rip current conditions are expected along Mexico’s southwestern coast due to swells generated by Ivo.
- Ivo is moving west-northwest and is expected to move parallel to the coast before turning westward, away from land.
- Impacts on the United States are not anticipated.
Storm Details and Forecast
As of Thursday morning, Tropical Storm Ivo was located approximately 215 miles west-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico. The storm is currently moving west-northwest at about 23 miles per hour. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) anticipate Ivo will continue on this path, moving parallel to the Mexican coast for the next day or two before turning westward, away from land.
Potential Impacts
The NHC has issued warnings for significant rainfall, with 2 to 4 inches expected across parts of the Mexican states of Guerrero, Michoacán de Ocampo, and Colima through Friday. Certain areas could see up to 6 inches of rain, increasing the risk of flash flooding. Additionally, swells generated by Ivo are expected to cause dangerous surf and rip current conditions along the southwestern coast of Mexico, posing a life-threatening hazard to swimmers and beachgoers.
Intensity and Other Pacific Storms
Meteorologists predict that Ivo could strengthen to near hurricane strength by the end of the week. While Ivo is expected to become a hurricane, another storm, Tropical Storm Henriette, is not forecast to reach hurricane strength. The NHC is also monitoring Tropical Storm Dexter in the Atlantic Ocean, which is expected to transition into a powerful extra-tropical cyclone over open water.
Hurricane Season Outlook
The Eastern Pacific hurricane season began on May 15 and concludes on November 30. August and September are typically the most active months for storms in the Atlantic season, while the Pacific season also sees peak activity during these months.
Sources
- Tropical Storm Ivo Path Update as Life-threatening Surf Warning Issued, Newsweek.
- Tropical Storm Ivo could bring rain, rough surf to coastal Mexico, AP News.
