Tropical depression forms in the Pacific: See where it's headed

A tropical depression formed in the Pacific Ocean on Sept. 11, and it could continue to pick up strength over the next few days.

The National Hurricane Center said in an early morning advisory on Sept. 12 that Tropical Depression Thirteen-E was located about 100 miles south-southeast of Zihuatanejo, Mexico with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph with higher gusts.

Slow strengthening is expected over the next couple of days, according to hurricane center forecasters, and the system is forecast to become a tropical storm at some point Friday, Sept. 12.

The storm is moving toward the west-northwest near 12 mph and this general motion is expected to continue for the next couple of days. On the forecast track, the center of the depression is forecast to move parallel to, but offshore of, the southwestern coast of mainland Mexico through early Saturday, Sept. 13.

Forecasters said the depression could cause rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches, with local amounts of 6 inches, across southern Mexico through Sunday, Sept. 14, bringing a risk of flash flooding, especially in areas of higher terrain.

NHC also tracking tropical wave in the Atlantic

The hurricane center also said it is tracking a tropical wave located near the west coast of Africa that is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms.

Forecasters said environmental conditions appear conducive for some gradual development of this system over the next several days, with a tropical depression possibly forming during the early to middle part of next week.

The hurricane center gives the system a 40% chance of formation through the next seven days.

Storm tracker

This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time.

How do hurricanes form?

Hurricanes are born in the tropics, above warm water. Clusters of thunderstorms can develop over the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees. If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression.

A tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm once its sustained wind speeds reach 39 mph. When its winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane.

Prepare now for hurricanes

Delaying potentially lifesaving preparations could mean waiting until it’s too late. "Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommends.

• Develop an evacuation plan. If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there.
• Assemble disaster supplies. Whether you’re evacuating or sheltering in place, you’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for a possibly lengthy aftermath, NOAA said.
• Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions. Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance checkup to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance don’t cover flooding, so you’ll need a separate policy for those. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, because flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
• Create a family communication plan. NOAA says you should take the time now to write down a hurricane plan and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation.
• Strengthen your home. Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricanes. Trim trees and install storm shutters, accordion shutters and impact glass; seal outside wall openings.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at [email protected].