In brief
Tropical Storm Priscilla is intensifying in the Pacific Ocean, with maximum sustained winds reported at 65 mph and storm-force winds extending 140 miles from its center. A tropical storm watch has been issued for parts of southwestern Mexico, with predictions of up to 6 inches of rainfall and hazardous surf conditions. The storm could reach hurricane status by early Monday, while another tropical storm, Octave, remains harmless offshore.
MIAMI (AP) — Tropical Storm Priscilla was strengthening slowly in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Mexico early Sunday. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center indicated that Priscilla had developed into a “large tropical storm,” with tropical storm-force winds extending as far as 140 miles (220 kilometers) from its center. As of Sunday morning, the storm's maximum sustained winds were reported at 65 mph (100 kph), situated about 305 miles (495 kilometers) south-southwest of Cabo Corientes, moving northwest at a speed of 5 mph (7 kph).A tropical storm watch has been issued for parts of the southwestern coast of Mexico, from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita, as tropical storm conditions are expected in the area on Sunday and Monday. The storm could bring up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain, alongside life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the coast.Predictions suggest that Priscilla may reach hurricane strength by Sunday night or early Monday and is expected to generally track parallel to the coast over the next few days.In contrast, another tropical storm in the Pacific, named Octave, was moving far from shore without any landfall forecast, and there are currently no coastal watches or warnings associated with it. Octave's maximum sustained winds have increased slightly to 70 mph (110 kph).
