MIAMI – Tropical Storm Beatriz is approaching the Pacific coast of southwest Mexico as it strengthens toward becoming a hurricane.
A hurricane warning is in effect Monday for the coast from Zihuatanejo northwestward to La Fortuna, with a tropical storm warning for other parts of the coast.
Beatriz’s maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph (100 kph) and the storm is expected to reach hurricane strength later in the day. The National Hurricane Center in Miami says “hurricane hunter” aircraft should provide information on the storm’s strength in the next few hours.
Beatriz’s center is expected to approach land by late Monday or early Tuesday before swinging west into the Pacific.
Beatriz is located about 125 miles (200 kilometres) southwest of Lazaro Cardenas and moving northwest at 9 mph (15 kph).
