TC “Vicente” meandering near Mexico, TC Willa organizing, deadly landslide reported

Tropical Storm "Vicente" formed October 19, 2018, near the coast of southwest Mexico as the 21^st named storm of the 2018 Pacific hurricane season. The storm is now meandering off the coast, dropping heavy rain and rising the threat of flash flooding and landslides. 6 people have already been killed in Oaxaca this week after heavy rains caused destructive landslide in San Pedro Ocotepec.

At 09:00 UTC on October 20, the center of Tropical Storm "Vicente" was located about 130 km (80 miles) SW of Tapachula and 330 km (205 miles) SE of Salina Cruz, Mexico. Maximum sustained winds were 65 km/h (40 mph) and minimum central pressure 1 005 hPa. The storm is moving WNW at 11 km/h (7 mph).

There are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect. However, interests along the southeastern and southern coast of Mexico should monitor the progress of this storm.

Vicente is a tiny cyclone but heavy rain and flash flooding are possible over portions of southeastern Mexico.

An increase in forward speed and a turn toward the west is expected by this afternoon, followed by a turn toward the southwest later tonight (CDT). 

On the forecast track, the center of Vicente will gradually move farther away from the coasts of Guatemala and southeastern Mexico today.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 35 km (25 miles).

Through Wednesday morning, October 24, Vicente is expected to produce 75 – 150 mm (3 to 6 inches) of rain with local amounts to 250 mm (10 inches across portions of the Pacific coast of southeastern and southern Mexico.

This rainfall could produce life-threatening flash flooding and landslides within mountainous terrain.

Tropical Storm "Vicente" and Tropical Depression 24 at 11:30 UTC on October 20, 2018. Credit: NOAA/GOES-East

3-hour total accumulated precipitation at 12:00 UTC, October 20, 2018. Credit: earthnullschool

Sea surface temperatures at 00:00 UTC, October 20, 2018. Credit: earthnullschool

Four children and two adults were killed October 18 in San Pedro Ocotepec in Oaxaca after landslide buried two homes full of people. Search and rescue operation is still in progress, Oaxaca Civil Protection said.

En coordinación con @SEDENAmx trabajamos en San Pedro Ocotepec, Mixes en auxilio a la población #Oaxaca @alejandromurat @Heliodoro_hcde pic.twitter.com/XBgfQ8J2I8

— ProtecciónCivilOax (@CEPCO_GobOax) October 18, 2018

Another storm is organizing W of Vicente. 

Currently known as Tropical Depression 24, and soon to be named Willa, is expected to reach tropical storm strength today and become a hurricane by October 22 and major by the 24^th.

Its still to early to be sure where this storm will end, but current forecast track takes it just south of the southern tip of Baja California Sur and into Mexico late next week.

Featured image: Tropical Storm "Vicente" and Tropical Depression 24 at 11:30 UTC on October 20, 2018. Credit: NOAA/GOES-East