MIAMI (AP) — Hurricane Lorena was intensifying Wednesday off the coast of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula and a tropical storm warning was expanded for parts of the area, forecasters said.
The storm was expected to continue strengthening throughout the day and heavy rain up to 15 inches (38 centimeters) was forecast for portions of the peninsula, the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said.
The weather agency warned of the risk of life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, especially in higher terrain.
Lorena was centered Wednesday about 115 miles (185 kilometers) west-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (130 kph) and was moving northwest at 16 mph (26 kph).
Those living in northwestern Mexico and the Baja California peninsula were urged to monitor the progress of the storm.
A tropical storm warning was in effect on the west coast of Baja California Sur from Santa Fe to Punta Abreojos, the hurricane center said.
Lorena's track was still uncertain and it was not known if it would eventually make landfall in Baja California or continue moving over cooler waters in the Pacific Ocean.
Forecasters said Lorena should weaken to a tropical storm by Friday.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Kiko was still a Category 2 storm with winds of 110 mph (175 kph) as it traveled west over open waters of the Pacific about 1,665 miles (2,680 kilometers) east of Hilo, Hawaii, the hurricane center said.
No watches or warnings were associated with Kiko, and there were no hazards affecting land, forecasters said.
Steady strengthening was expected and Kiko could become a major hurricane by Wednesday.
The Associated Press
