Tropical Storm Dolores to Drench Mexican Riviera; Tropical Storm Watch Issued

July 12,2015

Highlights

• Tropical Depression Five-E formed Saturday morning and strengthened into Tropical Storm Dolores early Sunday morning.
• Dolores is currently located roughly 200 miles south of Manzanillo, Mexico, and continues to move west-northwest at about 12 mph.
• Dolores is expected to strengthen into a hurricane Monday and may even become a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale) later this week.
• This system is expected to track west-northwestward, parallel to the coast of Mexico, over the next few days.
• A tropical storm watch has been issued for parts of Mexico from Lazaro Cardenas to Cabo Corrientes. Sections of the coast may be affected by tropical storm-force winds from this system, depending on exactly how close its center gets to the shoreline.
• Locally heavy rainfall is expected along the southern Mexican coast from Oaxaca to Nayarit as outer rainbands lash the coast. High surf and rip currents are also expected.

(MORE: Hurricane Season Outlook | Hurricane Central | Tropical Update)

The Latest Status, Forecast Path and Infrared Satellite Maps

Latest Status

Projected Path

Enhanced Satellite

Watches and Warnings

The center of Tropical Storm Dolores is expected to remain offshore. However, a small deviation of the track could bring stronger winds to the coast as tropical storm force winds extend up to 140 miles from the center.
Therefore, a tropical storm watch was issued for parts of the Mexican coast. Those who have interests along the southern and southwestern coasts of Mexico should monitor this system carefully.
Tropical Storm Dolores may bring heavy rain along the southern and southwestern coast of Mexico over the next few days. Total rain accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are possible through Wednesday, mainly from the state of Oaxaca northward to Nayarit, with up locally to 7 inches possible.
As of 7 p.m. CDT Sunday, Acapulco had recorded 0.64 inch (16.2 millimeters) of rainfall.
High surf and dangerous rip currents are also risks. According to Mexico's National Meteorological Service (SMN), waves of 6 to 10 feet (2 to 3 meters) are expected along the coast of the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, with waves of 5 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.5 meters) farther west.
Farther west in the eastern Pacific, Tropical Depression Six-E formed on Sunday morning. The central Pacific is also active with Tropical Storm Iune, which is tracking south of Hawaii, and Tropical Storm Halola, which is well southwest of Honolulu.
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