Hurricane Trudy moved roughly parallel to Mexico's western coast on Thursday, posing the threat of additional heavy rainfall and strong winds in a region that has already suffered recent storm-related deaths and severe flooding.
In its morning advisory, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) located Trudy about 480 km (298 miles) south-southwest of the beach town of Acapulco. The storm carried maximum sustained winds of 120 kph (75 mph) and was progressing in a northwestward direction.
The NHC said Trudy, currently a Category 1 hurricane, is forecast to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane on Friday. Both the NHC and Mexican authorities indicated the storm is then expected to approach Mexico’s Pacific coast. Heavy rains are specifically forecast in the states of Colima and Jalisco, with officials warning that the rainfall could increase the risk of life-threatening flooding and landslides.
Officials emphasized those hazards in light of the area's recent exposure to storms that in prior weeks resulted in several deaths and widespread flooding. The additional heavy precipitation and strong winds associated with Trudy raise continued concerns for communities and infrastructure along the Pacific coast.
At the same time, Tropical Storm Simon remained nearly stationary farther northwest offshore after earlier bringing heavy rain to coastal areas while it briefly held hurricane intensity. The NHC forecast Simon to move northwest and to graze the Baja California peninsula over the weekend.
Summary
Hurricane Trudy is currently moving northwest along Mexico's western seaboard with sustained winds of 120 kph (75 mph) and is expected to intensify rapidly into a major hurricane by Friday. Heavy rainfall is forecast for Colima and Jalisco, raising the prospect of life-threatening flooding and landslides in areas already affected by recent storms. Tropical Storm Simon remains nearly stationary farther northwest and is forecast to move northwest toward the Baja California peninsula over the weekend.
Key points
- Trudy is centered about 480 km (298 miles) south-southwest of Acapulco and is moving northwest with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph (75 mph).
- The storm is a Category 1 hurricane forecast to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane on Friday, with heavy rains expected in Colima and Jalisco.
- Tropical Storm Simon is nearly stationary farther northwest offshore and is forecast to move northwest, potentially grazing the Baja California peninsula over the weekend.
Risks and uncertainties
- Life-threatening flooding and landslides from heavy rainfall in Colima and Jalisco, as warned by the NHC and Mexican authorities.
- Escalation of wind strength if Trudy intensifies into a major hurricane, which could affect coastal communities and infrastructure.
- Ongoing uncertainty in Simon’s track and timing as it remains nearly stationary offshore, with potential impacts along the Baja California peninsula.
Authorities and the NHC continue to monitor both systems closely and have issued advisories reflecting the potential for severe weather effects across multiple coastal regions.