Tropical Storm Gil forms in the Pacific, expected to become hurricane: See tracker

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2 days ago

Iona has weakened into a tropical storm in the Pacific Ocean while another storm – Tropical Storm Gil – has formed and continues to strengthen.
In an advisory issued at 11 p.m. Hawaiian Standard Time on Wednesday, July 30, the National Hurricane Center said Gil has formed well to the south-southwest of the southern Baja California peninsula.
The hurricane center said the storm was located about 785 miles away from the southern tip of the peninsula with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph with higher gusts, with a turn to the north-northwest expected over the next couple of days.
"Some strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days, and Gil is forecast to become a hurricane on Friday," hurricane center forecasters said July 30.
Iona, meanwhile, will continue on its westward path into Friday, followed by a gradual turn toward the north-northwest over the weekend, according to the NHC. Iona has maxiumum sustained winds near 50 mph with higher gusts, with additional weakning expected through Thursday.
Tropical Storm Gil path tracker
This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time.
Tropical Storm Gil spaghetti models
This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time.
NHC tracking two other systems in the Pacific
The hurricane center said in a July 30 advisory it is also keeping tabs on two other systems in the Pacific Ocean.
The first system is a broad area of low pressure located about 800 miles southest of Hilo, Hawaii that is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms.
"Although the system lacks a well-defined low-level center at this time, some additional development is possible, and a short-lived tropical depression could still form during the next day or so," the hurricane center said in the advisory, noting that after that time, environmental conditions are expected to become less conducive for further development.
The hurricane center gives the system a 40% chance of formation through the next 48 hours.
A second area of low pressure is expected to form well south of southwestern Mexico in the next couple of days, hurricane center forecasters said.
"Environmental conditions appear conducive for some gradual development of this system, and a tropical depression could form over the weekend or early next week" as the system moves west-northwestward, the hurricane center said, giving the system a 70% chance of formation through the next seven days.
How do hurricanes form?
Hurricanes are born in the tropics, above warm water. Clusters of thunderstorms can develop over the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression.
A tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm once its sustained wind speeds reach 39 miles per hour. When its winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane.
Prepare now for hurricanes
Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it's too late. "Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," NOAA recommends.
Develop an evacuation plan: If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there.
Assemble disaster supplies: Whether you're evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you're going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said.
Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions: Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn't cover flooding, so you'll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
Create a family communication plan: NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation.
Strengthen your home: Now is the time to improve your home's ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings.
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at [e-mail].
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tropical Storm tracker: Gil forms in Pacific, could become hurricane