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AccuWeather.com reports the tropics are beginning to come to life in the eastern Pacific, and dangers lie ahead for southern Mexico.
A tropical depression that formed late Wednesday evening off the southern coast of Mexico strengthened into Tropical Storm Carlotta early Thursday morning, becoming the third named storm of the season in the eastern Pacific basin.
Conditions appear ripe for rapid intensification as Carlotta churns northwestward through the eastern Pacific.
It is even possible that the system could reach hurricane status by early Friday.
Current indications are that the system will approach the southern Mexico coast near or just to the west of Puerto Angel as a hurricane late Friday.
If the storm does approach Mexico as a hurricane, there could be life-threatening flooding, damaging winds and rough surf near the storm's path, according to AccuWeather.com Meteorologists Erik Pindrock and Michael Charnick.
Feet of rain is possible for the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico, as upslope flow enhances rainfall. At least a portion of the storm will linger across the region, allowing a deluge to last for days.
Landslides and mudslides could occur in higher elevations along with significant flooding.
Upon Carlotta's landfall, a significant storm surge of at least 3-6 feet are possible, especially taking the shape of the coastline into consideration.
Stay with AccuWeather.com for updates on this system, which could soon be the second hurricane this season in the eastern Pacific basin.
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Current indications are that Carlotta will approach the southern Mexico coast near or just to the west of Puerto Angel as a hurricane late Friday.
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