The National Hurricane Center, based in Miami, announced Tuesday that Tropical Storm Julio has formed in the Pacific Ocean. The system is located roughly 815 miles (1,312 kilometers) southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico.

At the time of the advisory, Julio is producing maximum sustained winds of 45 miles per hour (72 kilometers per hour). Forecast models indicate the storm will strengthen only slightly before it merges with the stronger Tropical Storm Iselle, which is moving northward in the same region.

Current position of nearby storms

Iselle, the larger system, sits about 660 miles (1,062 kilometers) west of the Baja California peninsula and is generating winds of 70 miles per hour (113 kilometers per hour). Both storms are well offshore, and the Center has confirmed that there are no coastal watches or warnings in effect for either system at this time.

Officials emphasized that the storms are expected to remain over open water and are not projected to impact any populated areas. Residents along the western coast of Mexico and the U.S. West Coast can remain reassured that neither Julio nor Iselle poses an immediate threat to land.

What the forecast means

Forecasters expect Julio to continue its gradual intensification before being absorbed by Iselle within the next 24 to 48 hours. Once the two systems combine, the resulting storm is likely to weaken as it moves farther from land.

The National Hurricane Center will continue to monitor both storms and provide updates as needed. Mariners operating in the Pacific are advised to stay aware of the evolving conditions and follow any guidance issued by the Center.

While the storms are currently distant from the United States, the Center’s routine monitoring underscores the importance of early detection and public communication for tropical systems, even when they are not expected to make landfall.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.