Tropical Storm Barbara was intensifying Sunday off Mexico’s southwest coast and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane, though it poses no threat to land, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Barbara was situated about 170 miles southwest of the popular port city of Zihuatanejo in Guerrero state. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph and was moving west-northwest at 12 mph. No coastal watches or warnings have been issued.
Forecasters predict Barbara will reach hurricane strength later Sunday as it continues moving west-northwest for the next two days, then veer west into the Pacific Ocean by Tuesday.
The storm formed earlier Sunday off Mexico’s southwest coast.
Heavy rains between 2 and 4 inches, with isolated amounts up to 6 inches, are expected across parts of Guerrero, Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco through Monday. This rainfall could cause flooding and mudslides.
Coastal swells along southwestern Mexico may produce dangerous surf and rip currents for the next few days, officials warn.
