Tropical storm Patricia formed in the Pacific Wednesday off the coast of Mexico and was expected to reach hurricane strength, US forecasters said.
With sustained winds of 40 miles (65 kilometers) per hour, the storm was 320 miles (515 kilometers) southeast of the resort city of Acapulco and moving west, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center reported.
"On the forecast track, the center of Patricia should approach the coast of southwestern Mexico on Friday," the NHC said.
It was expected to strengthen, and to reach hurricane strength by Thursday.
Hurricane warnings were posted for the Mexican coast between Lazaro Cardenas and Playa Perula, and a tropical storm watch was in effect between Lazaro Cardenas and Tecpan de Galeana.
Patricia is the 16th named storm of the Pacific season, which runs from May to November. Eleven have become hurricanes.
Tropical storm Patricia formed in the Pacific Wednesday off the coast of Mexico and was expected to reach hurricane strength, US forecasters said.
With sustained winds of 40 miles (65 kilometers) per hour, the storm was 320 miles (515 kilometers) southeast of the resort city of Acapulco and moving west, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center reported.
“On the forecast track, the center of Patricia should approach the coast of southwestern Mexico on Friday,” the NHC said.
It was expected to strengthen, and to reach hurricane strength by Thursday.
Hurricane warnings were posted for the Mexican coast between Lazaro Cardenas and Playa Perula, and a tropical storm watch was in effect between Lazaro Cardenas and Tecpan de Galeana.
Patricia is the 16th named storm of the Pacific season, which runs from May to November. Eleven have become hurricanes.