Former Tropical Depression Six-E strengthened to Tropical Storm Flossie over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Mexico on Sunday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Flossie was located at latitude 13.4°N and longitude 99.9°W which put the center about 240 miles (390 km) south of Acapulco, Mexico. Flossie was moving toward the west at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1005 mb.
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Zihuatanejo to Cabo Corrientes, Mexico.
Former Tropical Depression Six-E continued to strengthen on Sunday. The U.S. National Hurricane Center upgraded former Tropical Depression Six-E to Tropical Storm Flossie.
The circulation around Tropical Storm Flossie continue to get more organized on Sunday. More thunderstorms developed near the center of Flossie’s circulation. More thunderstorms also formed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Flossie. Storms near the center of Flossie generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical depression. The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease.
Tropical Storm Flossie will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Flossie will move over water where where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over southeastern Mexico and the adjacent part of the Eastern North Pacific Ocean. The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Storm Flossie will intensify during the next 24 hours. Flossie could intensify rapidly at times. Tropical Storm Flossie is likely to strengthen to a hurricane on Monday.
Tropical Storm Flossie will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over southern Mexico. The high pressure system will steer the Flossie toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Flossie will move a little closer to the coast of southern Mexico.
Bands in the northern side of Tropical Storm Flossie will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of the coast of southern Mexico. Heavy rains could cause flash floods in some locations.
