Hurricane Hilary Forms in the Pacific

Tropical Storm Hilary became Hurricane Hilary early this morning. The category 1 storm is currently churning off the coast of Mexico and could become a major hurricane by Friday night.

According to Weather Online, the center of Hurricane Hilary is currently located about 140 miles south of Acapulco, Mexico. The storm is moving west-northwest at about 10 mph.

NHC senior hurricane specialist John Cangialosi said:

“On the forecast track the core of Hilary will continue to move parallel to the southwest coast of Mexico, but any deviation to the north of the track could bring stronger winds to the coast.”

Hurricane Hillary is the 8th named storm of the 2011 hurricane season. A tropical storm warning is currently in effect from Lagunas de Chacahua to Punta San Telmo along Mexico’s coast.

Cangialosi continued:

“Hilary is expected to produce rainfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches across southern Mexico, with isolated amounts of 10 inches possible. Swells generated by Hilary are affecting portions of the coast of southwestern Mexico. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.”

The National Hurricane Center expects Hilary to continue it’s path along the coast before it heads out into the Pacific Ocean.

The News Tribune reports that Tropical Storm Ophelia is currently churning in the Atlantic with 65 mph winds. Ophelia is expected to gradually weaken over the next 48 hours.