Jova Unloading Torrential Rain; New Depression Forms
In this infrared satellite image from earlier this morning, Jova (on the left) can be seen pushing farther into western Mexico. Meanwhile, a new tropical depression has formed out of the cluster of clouds on the right.
Jova is now onshore and weakening, but remains a serious danger to lives in Mexico. Meanwhile, a new tropical depression has formed and poses new threats to Mexico.
Jova moved onshore around 11 p.m. Tuesday (PDT, 2 a.m. EDT Wednesday) near the town of Chamela in the Mexican state of Jalisco.
Jova was a Category 2 hurricane at the time of landfall with maximum sustained winds of nearly 100 mph.
The rugged terrain of western Mexico will continue to unwind Jova's circulation. Jova was downgraded to a tropical rainstorm as of the afternoon Wednesday local time.
Despite weakening, Jova should not be taken lightly through the end of the week.
Torrential rain will continue to pour down on the Mexican states of Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima and western Michoacan, producing totals of 6 to 12 inches with localized amounts of 20 inches in the higher terrain.
As of the mid-afternoon, 13.67 inches of rain has fallen on the city of Colima with 12.20 inches of rain falling in 24-hours on Manzanillo.
Life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides remain serious concerns.
Damaging winds will continue to lash western Mexico today before Jova loses its tropical storm status.
The worst of Jova, in terms of its destructive hurricane-force winds, narrowly bypassed the popular tourist cities of Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo.
The waters along the entire southern coast of Mexico (including at the beaches of Acapulco) will remain rough and dangerous for swimmers and operators of small craft during the next few days.
Even though Jova has moved inland, Tropical Storm Irwin is following in its footsteps and another tropical depression has formed in the Gulf of Tehuantepec (offshore of southeastern Mexico).
The good news is that Irwin will not be a repeat of Jova. Irwin is not expected to regain hurricane strength and could completely fizzle before nearing land.
AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Bill Deger pointed out that the path Jova took and the one Irwin may take are highly unusual.
"The bulk of the hurricanes in [the eastern Pacific] either parallel the coast or head out to sea."
The depression in the Gulf of Tehuantepec is actually the next danger to residents of Mexico.
The depression should strengthen into Tropical Storm Kenneth before moving into southeastern Mexico within the next day, unleashing flooding rain in the process.
According to Tropical Weather and Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski, "Repeating downpours from central and southern Mexico into Central America over the next 7 to 14 days can lead to an additional couple of feet of rain and flash flooding."
Kottlowski is referring to the current tropical system in the region and weak additional features that can form nearby in the coming days.
More Weather News
-
Memorial Day Weekend Heat Wave
May 24, 2012; 9:15 AM ET
Break out the fans and air conditioners and get the pools ready as a heat wave is poised for portions of the Midwest and mid-Atlantic this Memorial Day weekend.
-
Peru Dolphin Deaths "Natural"; Pelicans May Have Starved
May 24, 2012; 9:12 AM ET
The roughly 800 dolphin deaths observed off central and northern Peru are likely a result of natural causes, Fox New Latino website said on Wednesday, citing a government agency finding.
-
Hurricane Bud in the Eastern Pacific
May 24, 2012; 9:10 AM ET
Bud in the Eastern Pacific has strengthened to become the first hurricane of the season in waters of the Americas.
-
Tornado Risk Iowa to Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan
May 24, 2012; 9:09 AM ET
Thunderstorms this afternoon and Thursday night will bring the risk of tornadoes from Iowa to Wisconsin and Minnesota.
-
Sanvu is First Pacific Typhoon in 2012
May 24, 2012; 7:15 AM ET
Typhoon Sanvu has become the year's first typhoon, and the first such storm since early October 2011.
-
.jpg)
Southwest Winds Elevate Fire Risk, Threaten Blowing Dust
May 24, 2012; 6:05 AM ET
High winds will slam portions of California and the Desert Southwest late this week, bringing the already high fire threat to extreme levels and ushering in cooler air.
-
Chile Drought May Be Dented by Rainstorm
May 24, 2012; 6:03 AM ET
A major rainstorm may be in the offing for drought-hit central and mid-southern Chile, including the nation's biggest population centers.
-
Everest Death Toll 4 from Weekend Rush
May 24, 2012; 6:00 AM ET
Another Everest climber was found dead this morning, bringing the weekend death toll to four, with one climber still missing.
-
India Heat Wave as Monsoon Eagerly Awaited
May 24, 2012; 5:58 AM ET
Sweltering heat, the hottest of 2012 in some areas, has spread discomfort across the Indian subcontinent, spurring anticipation of the coming rainy season
-
Still Rebuilding One Year After The Joplin, Mo., Tornado
May 24, 2012; 5:55 AM ET
Daily U.S. Extremes
past 24 hours
| Extreme | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| High | 107° | Death Valley, CA |
| Low | 28° | Daniel, WY |
| Precip | 3.25" | Buffalo, MN |
WeatherWhys®
People need to pay close attention to the UV index during this time of year. On a sunny day late in the spring and into the summer, the UV is usually at least an 8, which is very high. Readings over 11 are considered extreme values in which only 10 minutes of full exposure to the sun will produce a sunburn.
This Day In Weather History
Oklahoma (1940)
Hail fell to depths of 6-8 inches near Ada. Hail drifted to 5 feet in places with the help of rain runoff.
Northern Texas (1986)
Severe thunderstorms produced 95-mph wind gusts and widespread damage. More than 3 inches of rain fell in less than an hour. A 29-year-old woman and her 6-year-old daughter drowned in their car which was found submerged in an underpass.
Rough Weather
.jpg)
Comments
Comments left here should adhere to the AccuWeather.com Community Guidelines. Profanity, personal attacks, and spam will not be tolerated.