MIAMI (AP) — Hurricane Paul is strengthening in the Pacific off Mexico and a
tropical storm watch has been issued for a portion of Baja California.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center says Paul's maximum sustained winds were
80 mph (130 kph) early Monday. Some additional strengthening is forecast during
the day before weakening is expected Tuesday.
It's centered about 530 miles (850 kilometers) southwest of the tip of the
Baja California peninsula and moving north at 9 mph (15 kph).
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to reach hurricane strength in
the Atlantic later in the day.
Rafael's maximum sustained winds are near 70 mph (110 kph). The storm is
centered about 290 miles (465 kilometers) north of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and is
moving north-northwest near 10 mph (17 kph).
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
