Tropical Storm Karl forms as it approaches Mexico. Flash flooding, mudslides possible

Tropical Storm Karl formed in the Bay of Campeche Tuesday afternoon, spawning storm watches in some areas of coastal Mexico as forecasters warn of possible flash flooding and mudslides from heavy rain.

Karl is the 11th named storm of the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season. Based on the current forecast, the system is not a threat to Florida.

The tropical storm is about 110 miles east-northeast of Veracruz, Mexico, and about 180 miles east-southeast of Túxpan, the National Hurricane Center’s 8 p.m. advisory read. Karl is moving slowly northwest with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph with higher gusts.

Karl’s tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 115 miles from its center.

Forecasters say the storm will be approaching the coast of Mexico on Thursday, with winds reaching a peak of 50 mph.

Once Karl makes landfall, “Rapid decay is expected once the storm moves inland due to the mountainous terrain,” forecasters said.

A tropical storm watch has been issued for the coast of Mexico from Cabo Rojo south to Puerto Veracruz.

“Heavy rainfall could produce flash flooding in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and in the southern Sierra Madre Oriental mountains and adjacent coastal areas with possible mudslides in areas of higher terrain,” forecasters said.

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