Hurricane Gil Moves Westward, Weakening Expected
Storm Position and Strength
As of Saturday, Gil was located approximately 1,160 miles (1,865 kilometers) west-southwest of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. The hurricane packed maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph) while moving west-northwest at 20 mph (31 kph).
No coastal warnings or watches have been issued for the region.
Forecast: Rapid Weakening Ahead
Meteorologists expect Gil’s strength to diminish significantly in the coming hours. The NHC reported that the system is encountering conditions that will reduce its intensity, eventually leading it to become post-tropical.
Active Storm Season in the Eastern Pacific
This period has been particularly active for Pacific storms. Another storm, Iona, which had earlier reached hurricane status, was recently downgraded to a tropical depression as it moved well west of Hawaii. Like Gil, Iona poses no threat to coastal areas.
Forecasters caution that additional storm development is possible in the eastern Pacific in the days ahead as the region remains under favorable conditions for tropical activity.
