Tropical Storm Barbara is expected to become a hurricane; which states will be affected?

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Tropical Storm Barbara strengthened off Mexico's southwest coast today and is expected to become a hurricane, although it is not threatening land, the National Hurricane Center in Miami reported.

Barbara was located about 275 kilometers southwest of the tourist port of Zihuatanejo, in the state of Guerrero, according to the center. It had maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h (59 mph) and was moving west-northwest at 19 km/h (12 mph). No coastal watches or warnings were issued.

The storm is expected to become a hurricane later Sunday as it moves west-northwest for two more days before turning west into the Pacific on Tuesday, forecasters said.

Barbara formed off the southwest coast of Mexico Sunday morning.

Heavy rains of 5 to 10 centimeters, with amounts of up to 15 centimeters in limited areas, are expected in parts of the Mexican states of Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, and Jalisco through Monday. The rains could trigger flooding and landslides.

Storm surges expected to affect portions of Mexico's southwest coast over the next few days could produce life-threatening waves and rip currents, the hurricane center said.