Tropical Storm Mario Regains Strength Off Mexico, No Threat to Land
National Hurricane Center reports Mario reformed into a tropical storm near Socorro Island; no coastal watches or warnings in effect
Mario regained tropical storm status Sunday while spinning in the eastern Pacific off Mexico’s west coast but posed no immediate threat to land, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said.
The system, which briefly reached tropical storm strength on Friday before weakening to a depression later that day, was centered early Sunday about 20 miles (35 kilometers) east-northeast of Socorro Island and roughly 280 miles (450 kilometers) south of the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. The NHC reported maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 kph) and a west-northwestward motion at about 7 mph (11 kph). There were no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
Forecasters said Mario was expected to continue strengthening through Monday before beginning to weaken Monday night and into Tuesday. The NHC issued rainfall forecasts for the storm but noted its projected track kept the center well offshore, reducing the likelihood of direct coastal impacts.
Satellite imagery showed an organized circulation aloft as convection increased around the center, consistent with the NHC’s assessment that conditions were temporarily favorable for additional intensification. Mario’s west-northwest motion is typical for eastern Pacific systems that remain over open water.
The NHC will continue issuing advisories as warranted and monitor the storm’s structure and environment for changes in strength and track. Mariners in the broader eastern Pacific were advised to consult forecasts and warnings from local meteorological services and the NHC for any updates, though current guidance indicated no immediate hazard to Mexican coastal areas.
Mario’s brief fluctuation between tropical storm and depression last weekend underscores the transient nature of intensity changes in tropical cyclones, particularly those over marginally favorable waters. The system’s expected weakening early in the week should further limit the potential for any land impacts, according to the current forecast track and intensity guidance from the NHC.