As predictions of an active Atlantic hurricane season remain on track, two storms are swirling in the Pacific Ocean. One is headed for the Baja California coast in Mexico this weekend and the other is near the Hawaiian Islands.
According to the National Weather Service, a “threat of scattered flash flooding is possible through Friday across portions of southern Arizona as moisture associated with what is currently Hurricane Lorena over the Pacific gets pulled northward.”
That’s the storm near the Baja coastline. It was labelled Tropical Storm Lorena Thursday by the National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Per the centers, the storm had a maximum sustained wind of 60 mph. Through the weekend it is expected to get closer to Baja Sebastian Viscaino through the weekend and to bring rainfall in Arizona and New Mexico, with possible flash flooding.
Near the Hawaiian Islands, Hurricane Kiko is brewing, according to the hurricane centers. It’s forecast to reach the islands next week and was listed as having a maximum sustained wind of 130 mph.
“The risk of direct impacts from wind and rainfall is increasing,” the centers said Thursday. “However, it is too soon to determine the exact location or magnitude of these impacts, and interest there should continue to monitor the progress of the storm.”
Last month, the National Weather Service updated the number of expected Atlantic Hurricane season storms to 13 to 18 with winds over 39 mph, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. While that season was predicted to be above normal, the Pacific season was predicted to be below-normal. Hurricane seasons in both the Atlantic and Pacific run from around May through late November.
“NOAA stands ready to provide the forecasts and warnings that are vital for safeguarding lives, property, and communities,” said Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm last month regarding the Atlantic season. NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham also noted that no two storms are alike.