In brief
Tropical Storm Priscilla is gaining strength in the Pacific Ocean, with winds up to 65 mph and a potential to reach hurricane status soon. A tropical storm watch is in effect for southwestern Mexico, where dangerous conditions and heavy rainfall are expected. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Octave remains distant from shore with no imminent threat.
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 reported that Priscilla is classified as a large tropical storm, with storm-force winds reaching up to 140 miles (220 kilometers) from its center. Current sustained winds are at 65 mph (100 kph), and the storm is situated approximately 305 miles (495 kilometers) south-southwest of Cabo Corientes, moving northwest at 5 mph (7 kph). A tropical storm watch has been issued along part of the southwestern Mexican coast, specifically from Punta San Telmo to Punta Mita, where tropical storm conditions are possible on Sunday and Monday. The region may experience rainfall accumulation of up to 6 inches (15 centimeters), and there is a projected risk of life-threatening surf and rip current hazards along the coastline. Forecasters anticipate that Priscilla may achieve hurricane status by Sunday night or early Monday and will continue moving parallel to the coast in the following days. Additionally, another storm, Tropical Storm Octave, is currently drifting away from the coast with no landfall expected and no coastal watches or warnings in effect. Octave's wind speeds have seen a slight uptick, now reaching 70 mph (110 kph).}
