Tropical Storm Barbara forms; does the brewing hurricane pose any dangers to Hawaii?

By Kristina Pydynowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

Newly-formed Tropical Storm Barbara is set to become the next hurricane in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and take a track farther to the west than Alvin.

Less than 48 hours after the demise of once-Hurricane Alvin, Barbara has formed over the warm waters several hundred miles to the southwest of Mexico.

Further strengthening is expected as Barbara remains over warm water and in an area with lessening wind shear, both of which are conducive for a tropical system to intensify.

Tropical Storm Barbara was seen on satellite on Sunday, June 30, 2019. (CIRA RAMMB)

"Barbara may become a hurricane by the middle of the week as it tracks generally to the west to west-northwest away from Mexico," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty.

A track into the open waters of the Eastern Pacific will limit the dangers of this strengthening storm to shipping interests through the first week of July.

RELATED: 
AccuWeather's 2019 East and Central Pacific hurricane season forecast 
Storm surge: Explaining the fury and science behind one of nature's most potent forces 
6 ways to prepare now for hurricanes 
5 expert tips for protecting your home against hurricane damage

Whether impacts may eventually reach Hawaii after next weekend will depend on the storm's exact track.

"Since Barbara will head more westward than Alvin, it is possible that this system (or the remains of) may approach Hawaii early in the second week of July [the week starting with Monday, July 8]," Douty stated.

"Given track uncertainty this far in the future, the threat of impacts on Hawaii are currently low, but it will be something to monitor," Douty said.

A path more to the northwest than west may take Barbara over cooler water and cause it to weaken before approaching Hawaii. However, the water south of Hawaii is more than warm enough to allow a storm to maintain its intensity.

The presence of any strong wind shear and dry air are other factors AccuWeather meteorologists will be monitoring in the coming days to determine whether Barbara will fizzle or remain strong on its journey toward Hawaii.

Even a weakening storm could cause seas to become rough and create hazards for swimmers, surfers and boaters around Hawaii.

Volume 0%

 

However, residents and visitors may be faced with flooding rain and wind dangers if Barbara remains strong and takes aim or tracks very close to the islands.

Download the free AccuWeather app to stay alert of the latest updates on this brewing hurricane and any threats to Hawaii. Keep checking back for updates on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.

"Water temperatures are above normal around Hawaii," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson.

"While that has been contributing to record highs being set in Honolulu and other communities recently, it can also make the island more vulnerable to tropical threats, not just from this storm but through the rest of hurricane season," Anderson said.

AccuWeather meteorologists are predicting a more active-than-normal hurricane season for the Central Pacific.

In the wake of Barbara, there are signs that at least one to two storms can take shape south of Mexico through the first half of July.

Meanwhile, there are no signs of tropical development in the Atlantic Ocean through the first week of July.