Tropical Storm Karl Becomes Hurricane Karl

Earlier this morning, Tropical Storm Karl became Hurricane Karl. Hurricane Karl is a category one hurricane with maximum wind speeds of 75 miles per hour. According to the National Hurricane Center, it is likely that Karl will strengthen before making landfall over Mexico. It is even possible that the storm will approach major hurricane strength (at least 111 mile per hour winds) before making landfall.

There are a few watches and warnings in effect:

A hurricane warning is in effect for the coast of Mexico from Palma Sola to Cabo Rojo.

A hurricane watch is in effect for the coast of Mexico north of Cabo Rojo to La Cruz.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the coast of Mexico north of Cabo Rojo to La Cruz, and for the coast of Mexico south of Palma Sola to Veracruz.

Hurricane Karl is currently moving towards the west at near 12 miles per hour. On the forecast track, the center of Karl will cross the southwestern Gulf of Mexico today through early Friday. Karl is forecast to move near or over the coast of mainland Mexico late Friday or Friday night.

Hurricane Karl's passage over Mexico is expected to bring a dangerous storm surge that will raise water levels by as much as 6 to 9 feet above normal tide levels. Also, that surge is expected to be accompanied by large and destructive waves. Karl is also expected to produce rainfall accumulations of 5 to 10 inches across the central and southern Mexican Gulf Coast region. Isolated amounts of 15 inches are possible in the interior mountains.

Tropical storm conditions are expected by Friday, with hurricane conditions forecast to be present by late Friday and Friday night.