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The National Hurricane Center in Miami reports that Tropical Storm Rick is weakening slightly as it continues to move in an easterly direction towards the Baja California Peninsula.
However, the Mexican government has issued a tropical storm warning for Southern Baja California “from Agua Blanca on the west coast southward and from Buena Vista southward on the east coast, including Cabo San Lucas.”
As of 2:00 am PDT the center of tropical storm rick was located about 265 miles, 425 kms south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas and about 55 miles, 85 kms northwest of Socorro Island.
The NHC’s bulletin said: “Rick is moving toward the north-northeast near 6 mph, 9 km/hr. A turn toward the northeast with an increase in forward speed is expected later today and Wednesday. On this track the center of Rick is expected to pass near or just southeast of the southern tip of Baja California early Wednesday and approach the western coast of mainland Mexico on Wednesday.
“Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 65 mph, 100 km/hr with higher gusts. Strong upper-level winds should cause additional weakening during the next day or two. Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 165 miles, 270 kms from the center.”
Although Rick has weakened considerably – it was a category 5 hurricane out in the Pacific shortly after it formed – it could still cause flash floods and mudslides. Rainfall forecasts range from 4 to 6 inches – 6.4 to 9.7 cms – with isolated amounts of 10 inches – 16 cms.
Source: National Hurricane Center – http://www.nhc.noaa.gov