000
WTPZ41 KNHC 161456
TCDEP1
 
Hurricane Trudy Discussion Number  13
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL       EP212026
900 AM CST Fri Oct 16 2026

Satellite imagery shows that Trudy's intensification has again 
paused, with the eye becoming less distinct and the convective cloud 
tops in the eyewall becoming warmer. An earlier GPM microwave 
overpass suggested that the eyewall has opened up on the south side, 
possibly due to a tongue of dry air wrapping into that part of the 
hurricane.  The various satellite intensity estimates have changed 
little since the last advisory, so the initial intensity is held at 
105 kt.  An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is scheduled 
to investigate Trudy later today.

The initial motion is a somewhat erratic 335/4 kt, as Trudy has 
followed its previous westward jog with a northward jog. A gradual 
turn toward the northwest is likely during the next 24 hours as a 
weak low-level to mid-level ridge builds over eastern Mexico. This 
motion should continue through about 72 hours, with the center 
passing near or over the coast of west-central Mexico at about the 
48 hour point. After that time, a weakening Trudy should be steered 
more by low-level flow. However, the guidance has some spread as to 
which direction that should be. Some of the guidance shows a 
west-northwest or west motion, while some models steer the cyclone 
more northward due to the influence of a large deep-layer trough 
over the northeastern Pacific. This part of the forecast track 
splits the difference by showing a slow west-northwestward motion. 
Overall, the new forecast track is similar to the previous track 
through 60 hours, and then is a little to the north of the previous 
track.

While the environment that Trudy is in seems to be conducive for 
strengthening, the intensification has sputtered twice during the 
past day or so. And in an interesting twist, the regional hurricane 
models do not forecast any additional strengthening before the 
hurricane reaches a less favorable environment. Other intensity 
guidance suggest some intensification could still occur, and based 
on a blend of this and the previous forecast the new intensity 
forecast shows some strengthening during the next 24 hours. Trudy is 
still expected to be a major hurricane as it approaches the coast of 
Mexico. Later in the forecast period, Trudy is expected have land 
interaction, move into a drier air mass, and encounter increasing 
southwesterly shear. These factors should cause steady to rapid 
weakening, and the new forecast follows the previous forecast in 
showing the system as a post-tropical low by 120 h.
 
 
KEY MESSAGES:
 
1. Trudy is forecast to be a major hurricane when it approaches the
coast of southwestern and west-central Mexico this weekend, bringing
an increasing risk of storm surge, damaging winds, and flooding
rain. Hurricane Warnings and Watches, as well as Tropical Storm 
Warnings and Watches, are currently in effect for portions of the 
coast, and additional watches and warnings will likely be required 
later today or tonight.
 
2. Heavy rainfall associated with Trudy will impact the southwest 
Mexican coast between Guerrero and Jalisco through the weekend. This 
rainfall may produce life-threatening flooding and mudslides by the 
weekend along and near the southwest Mexican coast in Michoacán, 
Colima, and Jalisco, especially in areas along steep terrain.
 
3. Large swells are affecting portions of the coast of southwestern
Mexico and will spread northward through the weekend, causing
life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
 
 
FORECAST POSITIONS AND MAX WINDS
 
INIT  16/1500Z 14.6N 102.5W  105 KT 120 MPH
 12H  17/0000Z 15.3N 102.9W  115 KT 130 MPH
 24H  17/1200Z 16.6N 103.8W  120 KT 140 MPH
 36H  18/0000Z 18.1N 104.8W  115 KT 130 MPH
 48H  18/1200Z 19.6N 105.8W  100 KT 115 MPH
 60H  19/0000Z 20.7N 106.4W   85 KT 100 MPH
 72H  19/1200Z 21.2N 107.1W   65 KT  75 MPH
 96H  20/1200Z 21.7N 108.1W   45 KT  50 MPH
120H  21/1200Z 22.2N 109.1W   30 KT  35 MPH...POST-TROP/REMNT LOW
 
$$
Forecaster Beven