Tropical Storm Lowell has formed in the Eastern Pacific.

As of 11 a.m. this morning, Lowell was about 1,765 miles west-southwest of the southern tip of Baja California and was moving east at about 5 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

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A gradual turn toward the north is expected by Friday, with a westward motion expected by Saturday.

Lowell has maximum sustained winds near 40 mph, with higher gusts.

Strengthening is likely during the next several days, and Lowell could become a hurricane by Saturday night, according to NWS.

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“Lowell will be over warm sea surface temperatures during the next five days and in an environment of light to moderate easterly shear. This should allow steady strengthening, and the initial intensity forecast is near the center of the intensity guidance,” NWS posted at 11 a.m.

“Since the environment is favorable and some of the guidance is stronger than the current forecast, it is possible that Lowell will strengthen more and faster than currently forecast.”

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