Tropical Storm Norbert Forms in Pacific, Eyes Hurricane Strength

Tropical Storm Norbert has formed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, packing maximum sustained winds of 40 mph as it moves west-northwest. The NHC predict the system could intensify into a hurricane over the coming days while tracking farther out to sea. While no coastal warnings are currently in effect, meteorologists are closely monitoring its trajectory.

Tropical storm Norbert forms in the Eastern North Pacific

Tropical Storm Norbert Forms in the Eastern Pacific 

Tropical Storm Norbert formed early Thursday in the Eastern Pacific, becoming the latest named storm to develop in the basin this season. 

The system strengthened from Tropical Depression Fourteen-E after first being monitored as Invest 96E earlier this week.

As of 8 a.m. PDT Thursday, Norbert was located about 755 miles (1,215 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. 

The storm had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph, with a minimum central pressure of 1,003 millibars, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Norbert was moving west at about 14 mph. NHC expects the storm to maintain a westward motion through Friday before turning more toward the west-northwest. 

Tropical-storm-force winds currently extend up to 60 miles (95 km) from the center.

There are currently no coastal watches or warnings associated with Norbert, and NHC reports no hazards affecting land.

The storm remains over the open Pacific, well offshore from Mexico.

Tropical Storm Norbert forms in the Eastern Pacific (Photo: RYAN SHOPTAUGH)

Norbert Could Strengthen Into a Hurricane This Weekend 

Forecasters expect Norbert to gradually gain strength over the next several days as it moves across the Eastern Pacific. 

NHC's latest advisory calls for continued strengthening, while FOX Weather's forecast team says the storm could reach hurricane strength by Saturday.

Norbert is moving over warm Pacific waters, with atmospheric conditions expected to become more supportive for development. 

However, forecasters are still watching how quickly the storm organizes and intensifies, so its eventual strength remains uncertain.

The storm is already showing signs of strengthening after its transition from a tropical depression.

Its maximum sustained winds reached 40 mph on Thursday, up from about 35 mph when the depression first formed.

If Norbert reaches hurricane strength, it would become another hurricane in an already active Eastern and Central Pacific season. 

Norbert could strengthen into a hurricane by Saturday as it moves across the Pacific (Photo: FOX WEATHER)

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Norbert’s Track Could Bring It Toward Hawaii 

Norbert is expected to continue moving westward across the Pacific, with the longer-range forecast showing a possible path toward Hawaii. 

However, the storm is still more than a week away from the islands, making the exact track highly uncertain at this stage.

Current forecast models show Norbert gradually turning toward the west-northwest as it moves farther from Mexico.

Weak steering currents could allow the storm’s path to change as new weather data becomes available. 

For now, Norbert poses no direct threat to Hawaii. There are no watches or warnings in effect, and the National Hurricane Center reports no land impacts from the storm. 

Residents should rely on future NHC updates as Norbert moves farther across the Pacific.

Norbert is moving  westward toward the general direction of Hawaii (Photo: RYAN SHOPTAUGH)

Check Hawaii’s 7-day forecast to stay updated on rain chances and changing weather conditions. 

El Niño Is Fueling an Active Pacific Hurricane Season 

Norbert is developing as a strengthening El Niño helps keep the Pacific unusually active. 

The climate pattern typically favors more tropical cyclone activity in the Eastern and Central Pacific, while producing conditions that are less favorable for storms in the Atlantic.

Norbert is developing amid this increasingly active Pacific pattern

The difference between the two basins has been especially noticeable this season.

The Central and Eastern Pacific have already produced 16 named storms, including three that have affected Hawaii. 

Look back at the storms that recently affected Hawaii

• Hurricane Lala
• Hurricane Lowell
• Hurricane Marie

At the same time, the Atlantic had no tropical cyclones as of Thursday, September 10, the climatological peak of the Atlantic hurricane season.

Forecasters are also watching whether El Niño continues to strengthen later this year.

A stronger event could maintain favorable conditions for Pacific tropical activity, keeping the region busy even as the Atlantic remains unusually quiet.

Norbert is therefore part of a broader Pacific pattern rather than an isolated thunderstorm.

Additional areas of disturbed weather are also being monitored near the system, raising the possibility of further tropical development in the region. 

Stay alert by closely monitoring Honolulu’s wind and rain forecast 

References

1. FOX Weather

2. National Hurricane Center 

3. The New York Times 

4. Honolulu Star-Advertiser 

5. Latin Times