Hurricane Rick

Pre-Landfall 2 | Summary
Posting Date: October 20, 2009, 9:00:00 AM

Rick—a Category 5 hurricane just two days ago—has weakened to tropical storm strength with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. As of the National Hurricane Center's 5:00 AM PDT advisory, Tropical Storm Rick is located about 240 miles south-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The storm is traveling slowly to the north-northeast at about 6 mph and is expected pick up forward speed as it makes a turn to the northeast, passing close to the southern tip of Baja California early Wednesday morning. A tropical storm warning is in effect for parts of the west coast of southern Baja California, including Cabo San Lucas. Rick is forecast to continue to weaken as it interacts with strong upper level winds before making landfall on mainland Mexico's western coast near Mazatlan later on Wednesday as a tropical storm. While its forecast wind speeds are expected to cause minimal structural damage to commercial interests in the area, rainfall accumulation could be significant in southern Baja as well as the mainland states of Sinaloa and Durango, where Rick is expected to track. According to the NHC, accumulation of 4 to 6 inches is expected, and certain isolated areas may experience up to 10 inches of precipitation. This creates the potential for dangerous flash floods and mudslides. Local authorities are preparing for evacuations if necessary. The storm is also generating large sea swells and dangerous surf conditions. A few cruise ships have been diverted from its path. The AIR tropical cyclone team will continue to monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Rick and will provide updates as warranted by events.

Pre-Landfall 2 | Downloads
Posting Date: October 20, 2009, 9:00:00 AM