Andres Strengthens Into a Hurricane South of Mexico

By Brian Thompson, Meteorologist

May 30,2015; 9:03PM,EDT

 

 

Andres developed into a Category 1 hurricane early Friday afternoon, becoming the first hurricane of the eastern Pacific season. On Saturday morning, Andres strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane.
Andres first formed as a tropical storm Thursday in the eastern Pacific, becoming the first tropical storm of the eastern Pacific season, which runs from May 15 to Nov. 30.

Andres is likely close to peak intensity as it remains across warm ocean water and in an area with low vertical wind shear. Eventual weakening is expected by early next week as the storm moves over cooler waters well to the southwest of Baja California.
A satellite loop of the eastern Pacific, showing the west-northwestward track of Tropical Storm Andres (NOAA)
At this point, the storm is expected to stay well away from the Mexican coastline. However, by late this weekend or early next week, Andres will be generating high surf along the coast of Baja California and western Mexico. The storm could also produce dangerous rip currents in these areas, including the cities of San Carlos, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlan.
Another tropical threat may take shape off the coast of southern Mexico early next week and could become the second tropical system of the season. This potential storm would have more direct impacts on Mexico, as it would likely develop closer to the coastline and could bring some rain and wind to the southern coastline of Mexico.
Meteorologists Eric Leister and Courtney Spamer contributed to this story.