Carlotta Nears Hurricane Strength Off Mexico Associated Press
go to original June 15, 2012

East Pacific Tropical Weather Outlook - This product is updated at approximately 5 AM, 11 AM, 5 PM, and 11 PM PDT from May 15 to November 30. (NOAA/National Hurricane Center)

UPDATE: Tropical storm Carlotta gained hurricane status this morning and continues to intensify in the Eastern Pacific. The category 1 storm has its sights set on the southwest coast of Mexico and may grow to category 2 levels - winds to 100 mph - before striking land. Hurricane warnings have been posted from Salina Cruz to Acapulco.

MIAMI — Tropical Storm Carlotta is nearing hurricane strength as it moves toward southern Mexico's Pacific coast.

The storm's maximum sustained winds early Friday are near 70 mph (110 kph). Additional strengthening is forecast and the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says Carlotta is expected to be a hurricane in the next several hours.

Hurricane warning is in effect for Mexico's coast from Salina Cruz to Punta Maldonado.

The tropical storm is centered about 160 miles (255 kilometers) south-southeast of Puerto Angel and 355 miles (570 kilometers) southeast of Acapulco.

Hurricane conditions are expected in the warning area by Friday night and a storm surge could cause significant coastal flooding. The Mexican states of Guerrero, Oaxaca and Chiapas could see up to a foot of rain, flash floods and mudslides.

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