Second tropical storm named in May near Mexico. by Steph Ball
Yesterday, the second tropical storm of the Pacific Hurricane season was named. The season started on the 15th May and has already seen tropical storm Alvin and now Barbara. It is unusual to see any named storms within the month of May, meaning this is an unprecedented start to the season.
It is only the third year in the history of the Pacific Hurricane season that two tropical storms have been named in May, with the previous two years being 1956 and 1984. The first storm, named Alvin, developed on May 24th, 550 miles off the coast of Manzanillo. Although strengthening for a time it was downgraded back to a tropical depression on May 30th.
Barbara formed off the southwest coast of Mexico on Wednesday and is currently gusting with winds of around 74kph (46mph). According to the National Hurricane Centre in Miami the storm is forecast to intensify over the next few days, and if so could be upgraded to a hurricane over the weekend. It is expected to track closer to the Mexican coast, and while it may not touch land its effects will most certainly be felt.
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