Hurricane Lorenzo is born off Mexico
What had been Tropical Depression 13, spinning for days in the Gulf of Mexico off the Mexican coast and going nowhere, has finally gained enough strength to become the 12th named storm of the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season. Tropical Storm Lorenzo is finally moving toward the coast with sustained winds of 70 mph, and higher gusts. It is expected to enter the state of Veracruz early Friday as a minimal hurricane.
UPDATE: 8:10 p.m.: Lorenzo is now a hurricane, with top sustained winds near 75 mph.
Here's the latest advisory. Here's the forecast storm track, and the view from orbit.
Meanwhile, far at sea, Tropical Storm Karen is weakening, raked by shearing winds from the southwest. Here's the latest advisory, the forecast track (which looks like it may turn more to the west, and Bermuda, in the next few days) and the view from space. The shear is very visible on the loop. Forecasters say some re-strengthening is possible in a few days as the shear weakens.
