In brief
Tropical Storm Priscilla, now with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph, is located off the coast of Mexico and poses potential risks of heavy rainfall and hazardous surf conditions. A tropical storm watch has been issued for southwestern Mexico, with forecasts indicating the storm may reach hurricane strength by Sunday evening or early Monday.
MIAMI (AP) — Early Sunday, Tropical Storm Priscilla was observed to be strengthening slowly in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Mexico. According to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center, Priscilla is classified as a 'large tropical storm,' with tropical storm-force winds extending as far as 140 miles (220 kilometers) from its center. The storm currently has maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 kph) and is positioned about 305 miles (495 kilometers) south-southwest of Cabo Corientes, moving northwest at a speed of 5 mph (7 kph).In response to the developing situation, a tropical storm watch has been issued for portions of the southwestern Mexico coastline, specifically from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita. This alert indicates the possibility of tropical storm conditions in the area over Sunday and Monday, with anticipated rainfall amounts reaching up to 6 inches (15 centimeters). Additionally, there are warnings regarding life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the coast.Forecasts predict that Priscilla may reach hurricane status by Sunday night or early Monday, with its path expected to run parallel to the coast in the immediate following days.In other developments, another tropical storm, Octave, is currently meandering far from shore in the Pacific. It poses no immediate threat of landfall, and there are no coastal watches or warnings related to this system. Octave's maximum sustained winds have increased slightly, reaching 70 mph (110 kph).
