MEXICO CITY (AP) — Hurricane Barbara continued plowing northwest away from land Monday afternoon after strengthening from a tropical storm earlier in the day. The storm marked the first of the eastern Pacific hurricane season.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Monday swells generated by the storm system will affect portions of the coast of southwestern Mexico during the next few days. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Hurricane Barbara was located about 175 miles (280 kilometers) west-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico. Its maximum sustained winds were clocked at 75 mph (120 kph). The storm's center was moving northwest at 10 mph (17 kph).
The Center said Barbara was forecast to weaken around nightfall as it moved closer to the Baja Peninsula.
No coastal warnings or watches were in effect Monday morning. But the storm was expected to bring heavy rainfall to coastal areas of Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima and Jalisco states, with the possibility of localized flooding.
The hurricane center said swells from Barbara were likely to form life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the southwestern Mexican coast, with gusty winds likely.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Cosme strengthened slightly Monday but remained well off the coast of Mexico, about 605 miles (975 kilometers) south-southwest of the tip of Baja California, the NHC said.
At 2 p.m. local time it had maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (100 kph) and was moving northwest at 9 mph (15 kph). Cosme is expected to reach near-hurricane strength on Monday before turning to the northeast and picking up speed Tuesday into Wednesday.
Associated Press, The Associated Press
