Tropical Storm Norbert formed in the Pacific Ocean on Thursday and is not expected to pose a threat to any land areas, according to forecasters. Located about 685 miles (1,102 kilometers) southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico, Norbert had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (64 kph) and was moving westward. The National Hurricane Center, based in Miami, reported that no coastal watches or warnings were in effect for the storm. Forecasters predict that Norbert may gradually strengthen over the next few days, but it is expected to remain over open water. In the same region of the Pacific, Tropical Storm Lowell continued its westward movement over open water, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (105 kph). Earlier in the week, Lowell was classified as a hurricane and had caused heavy rain and damaging winds across the Hawaiian Islands. As it moved away from the islands, it weakened to a tropical storm but remains a monitored system due to its potential to affect other areas in the Pacific. Tropical storms and hurricanes are tropical cyclones that form over warm ocean waters and can bring strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding to coastal areas. However, not all storms make landfall, and many remain over the ocean, posing no immediate danger to populated regions. Forecasters continuously monitor these systems to provide accurate and timely updates to those who may be affected. The formation of these storms is part of the annual hurricane season, which typically runs from June to November in the Pacific. While some storms can be powerful and destructive, others may remain relatively weak or dissipate before reaching land. For now, both Norbert and Lowell are expected to remain over open water, with no immediate threat to coastal communities.