Tropical Storm Norbert forms, poised to become next hurricane in the Pacific amid strengthening El Niño
Of the 16 named storms in the Central and Eastern Pacific this season, three have had impacts on Hawaii, which generally doesn't see that much tropical activity.
Tropical Storm Norbert forms in the Pacific amid strengthening El Niño
Tropical Storm Norbert formed in the Eastern Pacific early Thursday, becoming the 16th named storm in the basin this season, which has already produced 3 major hurricanes (Category 3+), fueled by an El Niño that could reach historic strength later this year.
THE TAKEAWAY
- Tropical Storm Norbert formed in the Eastern Pacific early Thursday and could become a hurricane by Saturday.
- Norbert could potentially track in the general direction of Hawaii.
- Of the 16 named storms in the Pacific this season, three have had impacts on Hawaii, which generally doesn't see that much tropical activity.
Tropical Storm Norbert formed in the Eastern Pacific early Thursday, becoming the 16th named storm in the basin this season, which has already produced 3 major hurricanes (Category 3+), fueled by an El Niño that could reach historic strength later this year.
Tropical Storm Norbert currently has sustained winds of 40 mph and is moving west at 13 mph.
Norbert strengthened from Tropical Depression Fourteen-E several hundred miles southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
The storm was designated Invest 96E on Tuesday and shortly after, became Tropical Depression Fourteen-E.
WHAT IS AN INVEST DURING HURRICANE SEASON
The FOX Forecast Center said Norbert could further strengthen into a hurricane by Saturday.
"Current long-range forecasts have this system continue to move east and potentially in the direction of Hawaii, but that is over a week and a half away," the FOX Forecast Center said.
"There is plenty of time for forecasts to change and evolve."
Crews walk through the damage and debris left behind by flooding. (Grand Canyon National Park / Facebook)
Of the 16 named storms in the Central and Eastern Pacific this season, three have had impacts on Hawaii, which generally doesn't see that much tropical activity.
Hurricane Lowell made a rare direct hit on the state's western islands earlier this week.
A strengthening El Niño and favorable atmospheric conditions continue to fuel an active Pacific hurricane season.
El Niño is typically associated with reduced tropical cyclone activity in the Atlantic Basin and increased storm activity in the Eastern and Central Pacific basins, along with a host of other weather impacts around the world outside of hurricane season.
"Outside of Norbert, there are two others areas to watch, one of which has a high chance of development over the next 7 days situated right around current Tropical Storm Norbert," the FOX Forecast Center said.
Tune into FOX Weather as we track the development of this storm.