Tropical Storm Norbert Strengthens in Pacific, Hawaii Watched

Tropical Storm Norbert is strengthening over the open waters of the Eastern Pacific, with forecasters warning it could become a hurricane over the weekend while tracking westward. As of 5 a.m. on September 11, the storm was located about 1,055 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. The system is moving west at 14 mph, and there are currently no coastal watches or warnings in effect. Norbert formed on September 10, becoming the 16th named storm of the Eastern and Central Pacific hurricane season. The season has been particularly active, fueled by a strengthening El Niño pattern that is expected to increase storm activity in the basin. Forecasters note that atmospheric conditions remain favorable for Norbert to gain strength over the next several days, with some models indicating it could reach hurricane strength by early next week. While Norbert remains far from land, meteorologists are monitoring its long-range track for potential implications for Hawaii.