May 15th, 2012
Category: Image of the day, Tropical Storms


Tropical Storm Aletta (01E) - May 14th, 2012

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Track of TS 01E
On May 12, the NHC reported that a tropical disturbance formed, about 550 miles south-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico. The storm quickly moved northwest before stalling, and then began to strengthen rapidly.
Early on May 14, the tropical disturbance intensified into a tropical depression, becoming the first storm of the season. Tropical Depression One-E formed one day before the official start of the 2012 Pacific hurricane season. This marks the first time that a tropical cyclone has formed before the official start of hurricane season, in the East Pacific basin since 1996, when Tropical Storm One-E formed on May 13, 1996.
Late on May 14, the storm intensified into Tropical Storm Aletta, with 40 mph (65 km/h) 1-minute sustained winds. As of 8 p.m. PDT (0300 UTC) May 15, Tropical Storm Aletta is located within 30 nautical miles of 10.5°N 108.5°W, about 650 mi (1045 km) south-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico. Maximum sustained winds are 35 knots (40 mph, 65 km/h), with stronger gusts. Minimum central pressure is 1004 mbar (hPa; 29.65 InHg), and the system is moving west at 10 kt (12 mph, 19 km/h).
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