Tropical storm Norbert is poised to become a hurricane by Wednesday afternoon, and is expected to skirt the Pacific coast of the Baja California peninsula.
This is a vast departure from its predecessor, the powerful Hurricane Marie, and other Eastern Pacific storms this season that have tracked far to the west, away from land.
Tropical storm watches or warnings have been issued for areas throughout Baja California Sur, and a hurricane watch might be issued later on Wednesday.
As of 11 a.m. Norbert’s center was located 241 miles south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas on Baja’s tip. The storm boasted maximum sustained winds of 70 mph.
It was expected to reach hurricane strength (74 mph) Wednesday afternoon, and remain at hurricane strength until at least Saturday morning.
Heavy rainfall is expected throughout most of Baja California Sur, and the hope is that Norbert doesn’t surprise forecasters and take a sudden right turn toward land.
