Tropical Storm Mario restrengthens off Mexico's Pacific coast, not threatening land
The National Hurricane Center says Mario could intensify through Monday before weakening, and no coastal watches or warnings are in effect.
Tropical Storm Mario regained strength Sunday while churning off Mexico's Pacific coast but was not expected to pose a threat to land, the National Hurricane Center said.
Hours after reattaining tropical storm status, Mario was centered 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. Maximum sustained winds were recorded at 45 mph (75 kph) as the system moved west-northwest at 7 mph (11 kph). There were no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
The National Hurricane Center said Mario first reached tropical storm strength on Friday but briefly weakened to a tropical depression the same day before restrengthening Sunday morning. Forecasters expected the storm to continue strengthening through Monday, with weakening forecast to begin Monday night and continue into Tuesday.
Mario's reintensification occurred over open water and remained distant from major population centers. The NHC's forecast guidance indicated the system's west-northwest track would likely keep the strongest winds and heaviest rain offshore, limiting direct impacts to Mexico's mainland and Baja California. Mariners and remote island residents were advised to monitor updates as conditions can change.
Mario is part of the eastern North Pacific hurricane season, which typically runs from mid-May through late November and can produce storms that threaten Mexico's Pacific coast and offshore islands. Forecasters continue to track Mario for potential changes in intensity and track, issuing updates as new observations and model guidance become available.
Officials emphasized that even storms well offshore can generate dangerous surf, rip currents and hazardous sea conditions along coastlines. Local authorities and emergency managers maintain routine monitoring during the hurricane season and will issue watches or warnings if Mario's forecast track or intensity change in ways that could affect populated areas.
The National Hurricane Center will issue regular advisories with the latest position, intensity and forecast information until Mario dissipates or weakens to a post-tropical system.