Tropical Storm Frank forms off Mexico’s Pacific coast, warning issued

August 22nd, 2010 - 10:11 pm ICT by BNO News  

MIAMI (BNO NEWS) — A tropical storm warning was issued on Sunday morning after Tropical Storm Frank formed off the southern coast of Mexico, meteorologists said.

The storm first formed as Tropical depression Nine-E at around 2.00 p.m. PDT (2100 GMT) on Sunday and was located about 335 kilometers (210 miles) southeast of Salina Cruz, a port in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. It strengthened into a tropical storm on Sunday, just before 8 a.m. PDT (1500 GMT).

The Miami-based center said Tropical Storm Frank is moving toward the west at a speed of approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles) per hour. “A turn toward the west-northwest and a gradual increase in forward speed are expected over the next couple of days,” said forecaster Brennan.

Maximum sustained winds are currently near 45 miles (75 kilometers) per hour, with higher gusts. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours. “Frank could become a hurricane by Monday night or Tuesday,” Brennan added.

The Mexican government immediately issued a tropical storm warning for the southern coast of Mexico from Puerto Angel westward to Punta Maldonado.

A tropical storm watch is also in effect for the coast of Mexico from Salina Cruz westward to Puerto Angel, and from Punta Maldonado westward to Tecpan de Galeana.

Frank was located approximately 230 kilometers (140 miles) southeast of Puerto Angel as of 8 a.m. PDT (1500 GMT), the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. Its tropical storm-force winds currently extend outward up to 55 kilometers (35 miles), Brennan said.

Meanwhile, storm Eight-E - about 345 kilometers (215 miles) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California - degenerated into a remnant low. It had been a tropical depression for several days, but never affected land.

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